If you want to write songs for a living, watch this.

Summary

In this video, music producer Adam Slagger and fellow producer Josh discuss the art of songwriting and collaboration. Adam shares the story of Brock Barry Hill's transition to country music and emphasizes the importance of consistently writing songs to hone one's craft. They advise aspiring songwriters to create music without waiting for external cues and to share their work to open doors in the industry. The conversation also covers overcoming the challenge of turning loops into full arrangements and the practical aspects of charging clients for music production services, advocating for clear communication and flexible payment strategies.

Takeaways

• 🎼 Collaborating with others is essential for songwriting and getting into professional songwriting camps.
• 🌐 Networking is crucial; knowing people in the industry can lead to more opportunities, as illustrated by Brock Barry Hill's transition to country music.
• 🔄 Consistent creation is key; Brock Barry Hill wrote numerous songs without being asked, building a portfolio and reputation.
• 🎧 The importance of sharing your work and not keeping it private to attract interest and open doors in the industry.
• 🎹 Songwriting should be an active process, not waiting for opportunities but creating them through continuous work.
• 🎤 Developing an artist or being an artist that writes their own songs can help establish credibility and get your foot in the door.
• 📈 Having a diverse catalog and being open to writing different styles can increase the chances of your songs being used.
• 🛠️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding song structure and using it as a foundation for songwriting.
• 💡 Creativity in songwriting involves experimenting with different chord progressions and structures to avoid repetition.
• 💰 Charging clients typically involves a deposit upfront, with the remainder paid upon project completion or satisfaction.
• 📝 Clear communication about payment terms is vital to avoid misunderstandings and ensure smooth project execution.

Q & A

What was the main topic of the discussion in the video script?

The main topic of the discussion was about the process of songwriting, collaborating with others, and getting into professional songwriting.

Who is Brock Barry Hill and what is his current role in the music industry?

Brock Barry Hill is a music producer who transitioned from producing rock music to writing country songs in Nashville. He is currently successful, producing hit songs in the country music genre.

What did Brock do to improve his songwriting skills in country music?

Brock started writing country songs every week, collaborated with other songwriters, and created a large SoundCloud playlist of his songs, which he shared with others to showcase his work.

What advice was given for aspiring songwriters to get their foot in the door?

Aspiring songwriters should be actively writing songs without waiting for opportunities, proving their ability by launching an artist or developing their own songs, and sharing their work to meet people who might be interested in using their songs.

Why is it important for songwriters to not keep their song ideas too private?

It's important for songwriters to share their ideas because it can lead to meeting people who want to use those songs, opening different doors and pathways in the music industry.

What is the typical payment structure for music production services?

The typical payment structure involves a deposit, usually half upfront, with the remainder paid upon completion of the project or in stages as the project progresses.

What is the importance of having clear financial expectations in a music production project?

Clear financial expectations ensure that both parties understand the costs involved, reducing awkwardness and potential misunderstandings, and facilitating smoother project execution.

What is the role of Adam Slagger in the music industry?

Adam Slagger is a music producer who works with various singers, songwriters, and clients, and also creates content related to music production.

How did the discussion on songwriting relate to the journey of becoming a full-time songwriter?

The discussion highlighted the importance of continuous practice, experimentation, and the development of a unique songwriting style, as well as the need to prove one's ability to write appealing songs.

What advice was given to help overcome the issue of creating loops but not developing full song arrangements?

The advice included creating a simple version of the song first, understanding song structures, and experimenting with different chord progressions to avoid getting stuck on a single loop.