by Steve Schramm | Mar 31, 2023 | Songwriting
I grew up during what many would consider one of the “heydays” of Southern Gospel music. Quartet music was quite popular still, but newer sounds like Jeff and Sheri Easter were coming on the scene at the same time.
The Cathedrals were growing older and phasing out, meanwhile Ernie Haase’s Signature Sound was rising the ranks, having created a name and brand of his own.
One hallmark of this era was the opportunity to hear a little different take on a song by different artists.
For example, although Ernie was known for his performance of “Oh, What a Savior!” with the Cathedrals, it was not at all strange for his group to perform their version.
In fact, it was a hit!
Some of the most popular songs today—regardless of the genre—became popular because of how many artists recorded them, not in spite of that.
And yet, in today’s music scene, an altogether different sentiment seems to have arisen.
Sitting in a panel discussion with label heads, songwriters, and publishers, we heard “from the horse’s mouth” that artists don’t see it this way anymore.
Once a song has been commercially released and radio singled by an artist, it is considered “damaged goods” and not worthy of releasing at all—even on a record.
This mindset has far-reaching negative consequences. It treats the song as though as it is “one time use,” despite the fact that—in reality—songs live on in hearts and minds for decades.
Sometimes, forever!
Here are a couple problems with thinking of commercially released songs as damaged goods, and a strong opportunity if we’ll change our thinking.
“Churning and Burning” Reduces the Quality of the Music
Music business.
Two words that I never really thought of as working in harmony, but also never thought of as explicitly contradictory.
I don’t think I ever saw the music industry through rose-colored glasses.
But, may I be honest?
I didn’t personally realize how broken it was until after we started BuyDemoTracks.com.
Now—don’t mistake me for hopeless.
Actually, quite the opposite. We found problems—but fixable problems. We’re as optimistic as ever that the music industry has a bright future.
But we also know it will take some work to get there.
Here’s a good start: Let’s focus on raising the quality of the music itself.
One of the things we discovered is that songs are being “churned and burned” like some sort of factory.
Why?
Because companies need to make money. Nothing wrong with that. However, it often leads to creating music that is redundant and lacks creativity because “it’s what the people want to hear.”
Sure, there’s both an art and a science to creating great music that resonates with your target audience.
But creating music for the sake of tickling ears instead of changing hearts is a losing game. Such is the fruit of a “churn and burn” mindset.
Songs don’t get better by creating music people allegedly want to hear and then moving on to the next one as quickly as possible.
Songs get better by hearing them performed creatively and often.
One of my favorite songs is Dive by Steven Curtis Chapman. When Steven and Ricky Skaggs did a mashup on it, I was not in any way offended to hear that application of a classic Contemporary Christian song.
You kidding?! I was like a kid in a candy store! I get to hear one of my favorite CCM songs performed by one of my favorite Bluegrass artists? Too cool!
This will become a thing of the past unless we change our tune.
Songs are not Being Given the Opportunity to Live a Long, Fruitful Life
Andrew Fletcher said, “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.”
Songs are transformational. And when we treat them as anything less, they fire back with the vengeance of obscurity.
At BuyDemoTracks.com, we’re just silly enough to believe that a song is something special (more on that specifically in a bit).
Songs deserve to live a long life, not whither away and die in last place on a top 20 countdown or—worse—in virtual obscurity as the 6th song on an album nobody is listening to.
But is this wishful thinking? Have the people spoken, and this is just how it is?
I don’t think so. Now, that’s certainly the case with some things. For example, people just don’t listen to CDs anymore. They shuffle their music on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.
They want to discover new stuff. Occasionally they’ll fall in love with an artist and listen to song #6 on the new album, but that is—admittedly—quite rare.
However, let’s zoom out and look at the wider commercial music industry. Mashups and new recordings are quite common.
When I think of Stevie Wonder’s classic, Higher Ground, I sometimes forget it was his song and hear The Red Hot Chili Peppers in my mind.
That song was revitalized for an entirely new generation. And this same mindset used to be the normal thinking in Southern Gospel and Bluegrass, the primary audiences we serve.
Let’s make the song great again.
Let’s not treat each song as a potential lure to make a few bucks with a radio stint, and instead, write, perform, record, and rerecord with the intent of making the song live long and prosper.??
Let’s stop sacrificing great on the altar of more.
The Opportunity Switch: Treat a Song as Sacred, and it Will be a Lifelong Asset
That’s the funny thing about the music business.
For all of the people involved, all the marketing that goes into pushing new artists, all of the talent discovery and management, at the end of the day—it all comes back to the song.
No song, no music.
Full stop.
I’m afraid the industry has turned its back on the music. For one thing, it’s disrespecting the song itself by trying to squeeze every penny possible out of it and paying everyone off of that line item.
Artists are mad because Spotify doesn’t pay like CDs did. That’s the reality, and despite the legislation that has been put in place (and that which is still being fought for), I don’t see that equation changing in a meaningful enough way to make a difference.
The economics just aren’t there.
What that means is that, in the music industry, new revenue streams are needed. The good news? They’re available.
You just have to know where to find them. (We’ll save that for another blog.)
So… who, then, should be paid for the song?
Our opinion—the people who wrote it!
This allows two incredible things to happen:
- It gives songwriters the hope of a way to recoup their investment of time and money spent creating the song.
- And it gives artists the opportunity to maximize the brand of the song for the longterm.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers did pretty well off of Higher Ground—but so did Stevie Wonder.
In the long term, when you treat the song as something sacred, it pays off—for everyone!
If we start creating music that matters again and treat it with the care and respect it deserves, it will faithfully reward our efforts for the long term.
A song is not “damaged goods” because it’s already been released.
It’s simply doing its job building equity, until the next artist comes along blessed with the interpretive creativity to steward its message in the public eye.
by Steve Schramm | Dec 16, 2022 | Getting Paid
Music publishing can be a confusing and overwhelming process for many songwriters, especially those who are just starting out in the industry.
From copyright laws to royalty collections, there are a multitude of questions that can arise when it comes to getting your music out into the world.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common music publishing questions and provide some answers and guidance to help you navigate the world of music publishing.
What is music publishing?
Music publishing refers to the process of making a song available to the public.
This includes getting the song played on the radio, streaming platforms, and other outlets, as well as licensing the song for use in films, television shows, and commercials.
Music publishing also includes the process of collecting and distributing royalties, which are payments made to songwriters and music publishers when their songs are used.
How do I copyright my music?
In order to copyright your music, you must first create a tangible form of the work, such as recording the song or writing out the lyrics and music.
Once you have a tangible form of the work, you can register the copyright by filling out a form and paying a fee to the U.S. Copyright Office.
It’s important to note that your music is automatically copyrighted as soon as it is fixed in a tangible form, but registering the copyright can provide additional legal protections and make it easier to defend your rights if someone infringes on your copyright.
How do I get my music on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music?
To get your music on streaming platforms, you’ll need to work with a distributor.
A distributor is a company that helps get your music on various platforms and collects royalties on your behalf.
There are many distributors to choose from, each with their own pros and cons.
Some popular options include CD Baby, TuneCore, and DistroKid. It’s important to do your research and find a distributor that best fits your needs and budget.
How do I get my music played on the radio?
Getting your music played on the radio can be a challenging task, especially for independent artists.
One option is to work with a radio promoter, who can help get your music in front of radio stations and DJs. You can also try reaching out to radio stations and DJs directly, either through email or by sending a physical copy of your music.
Keep in mind that radio stations and DJs receive a lot of submissions, so it’s important to stand out and make a strong pitch for why your music should be played.
How do I license my music for use in films, television shows, and commercials?
To license your music for use in films, television shows, and commercials, you’ll need to work with a music licensing company or directly with the production company or advertiser.
Music licensing companies specialize in placing music in various media and can help you get your music in front of the right people.
You can also try reaching out to production companies and advertisers directly to pitch your music for use in their projects. Keep in mind that music licensing can be a competitive field, so it’s important to have a strong portfolio and be proactive in getting your music out there.
What types of royalties are available for my music?
Royalties are payments made to songwriters and music publishers when their music is used.
There are several types of royalties, including mechanical royalties, performance royalties, and sync royalties. Mechanical royalties are paid when a song is reproduced on a physical or digital format, such as when a song is downloaded or streamed.
Performance royalties are paid when a song is performed publicly, such as when it’s played on the radio or in a live venue. Sync royalties are paid when a song is used in a film, television show, advertisement, video game, or any other type of media.
Need Help?
At BuyDemoTracks.com, we understand that navigating the world of music publishing can be confusing and overwhelming, which is why we offer a range of services and resources to help songwriters succeed.
Our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you through the publishing process, from copyright registration to royalty collection.
We also offer BDT Publishing services to help you get your songs out into the world, and our live publisher Q&A webinars are a great way to get personalized help and advice from our experts.
So if you have any questions or need support with your music publishing journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at BuyDemoTracks.com. We’re here to help you succeed and get your music heard!
by Steve Schramm | Sep 7, 2022 | Songwriting
Every songwriter’s dream is to have their music picked up by an artist who loves the song and feels like their fans would too.
But sometimes, songwriters spend years trying to get their music in front of artists to no avail.
How does this happen? And more importantly, what could be done differently?
I’ve identified three top reasons that you might be having trouble getting your song recorded. In this post, we’ll talk through those reasons and how you can increase your chances of someone picking up a song you wrote.
Reason 1. You’re in a Rush
At BuyDemoTracks.com, we work with plenty of songwriters who have “made it.” It is entirely possible that an artist or performer will pick up one of your songs, even if it hasn’t happened yet.
However, many of our songwriters (even the most prolific ones) have numerous songs that artists haven’t picked up. And, most of them would tell you that getting the first song noticed is the hardest.
When your connections are few, your skills as a songwriter are still developing, and you haven’t got much public exposure, you will need to become a pro at deploying patience toward your writing career.
If you write because you truly love it, this should not be a problem.
Keep writing until something clicks. Keep writing until someone finds your music. Just keep writing.
It could take years for your song to get picked up. Or months. Or, maybe only weeks! If you give up tomorrow, you cannot be certain your “big break” isn’t coming next week.
See what I mean? Don’t quit too soon, and use every new lyric as a learning opportunity.
You’ve gotten a little better each time, and that skill and those long hours are all part of honing your craft.
Reason 2. The Song Needs Work
I do not personally believe in the concept of “luck.” What I do believe in, though, is the power of collaboration.
Did you know that there are quite a few songs you would not know today if someone had not come along and provided a little different twist on the music?
If you’re an evangelical Christian, you’ve almost certainly heard the song “Thank You, Lord, for Your Blessings on Me” by The Easter Brothers. This song is regarded as one of the most powerful gospel songs ever written.
And, it also has a catchy tune.
But what you may not know is that the original tune for that song was quite different from what you know today.
When that song was in its infancy, it was put to a bit different tune than the original, which really helped it to catch on like wildfire in the Southern/Bluegrass Gospel genres.
Here’s the lesson: Your song could be a co-writer or a different arrangement away from being the next big hit.
What this means is you need to cultivate a willingness to collaborate.
If you look across the Song Library here on BuyDemoTracks.com, you will find the vast majority of our songs have more than one writer.
Why? Because two heads are better than one!
Sometimes, a skilled writer can even be paired with a less skilled writer and together can make a beautiful song!
Songwriting is not a “go it alone” career or hobby. The more you work with others, the better. And they can help improve your songs.
Another way to see improvement in your songs is by attending songwriting workshops. These take place at various events all over the world.
If you’re interested in attending one, just scroll down and fill out the contact form to request more information.
Reason 3. You Haven’t Promoted the Song Well Enough
You might be the most skilled, patient writer in the world, but if you have not promoted or pitched the song to the right people, there is very little chance your song will gain the traction it needs.
What is involved with promoting the song well?
At a minimum, you need to have had a professional, studio-quality demo recorded and personally pitched the song to potential artists/managers/producers.
Of course, one criticism the music industry often receives is that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
We realize this is true, and it’s one of the reasons we started BuyDemoTracks.com. Our unique platform allows you to place your music in front of hundreds of artists all at the same time.
And with our advanced filters, your song will show up at just the right time for potential artists.
If an artist comes to our site looking for a “fast bluegrass song about being grateful or thankful,” and you just so happen to have written a song fitting that description, you will show up in that search result!
Consider listing your song with BuyDemoTracks.com to put your best foot forward on promoting your music and getting it in front of the right people.
Conclusion
If you’ve been at this for a while and no one has recorded your song, let me say this: Do not lose hope.
Keep writing. Persevere. Follow the steps above.
The world needs your music. We believe in you! Let us help you take your songwriting career to the next level.
by Steve Schramm | Sep 7, 2022 | Custom Demos
While it’s always possible to get lost in the details of any new project, sometimes, the details truly matter.
And believe it or not, whether a male or female records the vocals on your demo could have longterm implications for your song.
Your demo is just as much about the perception of artists as it is the practicality of things of tempo, key, etc.
A performer visualizes themselves being successful with your song. And if you think about it, this is quite like everyday experience as well.
Commercials and advertisements will usually feature members of the product’s target audience. This is to create the feeling of, “If it works for them, it will work for me too!”
Ideally, you will have a vocalist on your demo that helps create that perception in your target audience’s mind.
With that in mind, here are some things to think about.
The Key Matters
As you probably know, certain keys will bode better for a male or female led song. And of course, this consideration is downstream from other factors.
So the first question to ask is: Who do you, the songwriter, envision singing this song? Is it a male or a female?
You’ll pick a key accordingly, and that will determine whether a male or female should sing it.
If you want to change your song to a male-led song, you should try about a 5 step differential as a starting point.
What Do Your Lyrics Say?
Maybe you’re having trouble deciding whether you’d like a male or female to sing it.
One of the first considerations is how the lyrics are written. There are some obvious things, of course, like if the song is written from the perspective of a wife, mother, father, son, etc.
But there are some less obvious things as well.
Songs with themes around love, care, and nurture might be better suited for a female lead, while songs about instruction, life lessons, and leadership might be better suited for male lead.
There will always be exceptions to these, but it’s a good starting point if you’re undecided.
Do You Have an Artist in Mind?
Let’s say you have written a song in the genre of Southern Gospel, and you have a large quartet in mind for the song.
Given the kind of music they are looking for, as well as the producers and managers they are working with, it’s probably not a great idea for a female to lead the demo.
Like I mentioned a moment ago, that perception and visualization is everything when it comes to actually pitching the song.
This is important because, while we do not necessarily pitch songs at BuyDemoTracks.com, we do list them and (in some cases) actively market them to people looking for new songs.
You should make the assumption that your song has a chance of getting in front of the right person, and make sure the demo has the right vocal for the job.
Do You Have a Specific Demo Vocalist/Sound in Mind?
If you have a specific sound in mind, you might be surprised to know that it is possible to have even well-known performing artists record your vocal demo!
Don’t believe me?
We work with quite a few of them here on BuyDemoTracks.com.
This has the additional benefit of helping potential recording artists know whether the song is for them or not.
If an artist has a particular liking for the vocalist you’ve chosen, that may help push them over the edge in choosing your song!
Conclusion
You might be tempted to think that I’m making a big deal out of something that does not really matter. But I can assure you, selecting the right vocalist to help you sell your song is a very big deal.
Choose wisely, but at the same time, don’t stress. Your producers can help you make a good decision and find a strong singer to help sell the demo.
At the end of the day, the “right” choice is always a clean, professional singer who is concerned with quality and wants the best for the song.
When you find that, you’re already ahead of the pack.
by Steve Schramm | Aug 26, 2022 | Custom Demos
One of the very first things we need to get started when working on a custom demo for you is a worktape.
Don’t know what that is, how to get or make one, or what it should be like? No worries, we’re going to answer all of those questions right here.
As I defined it in this post:
Simply put, a worktape is a “rough” recording which will usually feature you, the writer, singing and/or playing your song.
Another way to think of a worktape is a “low fidelity” version of your song. It is how you communicate the vision for the song, the lyrical pacing and structure, and gives your producers and musicians an idea of what you want the song to be like.
Two important notes:
- A worktape is never judged by the quality of the singer(s) or musician(s). You could be the best singer-songwriter in the world; still, it is unfair to compare it to a full studio band recording in terms of talent or delivery.
- What matters most, then, is clarity and organization. Can the producers and musicians understand you, hear where the lyrics are going, and understand any important musical elements that should remain?
This means any songwriter is capable of producing a quality worktape that will result in a quality final recording.
Worktape vs Full Recording Comparison
Considering the above, let’s take a listen to an example of a track that we received as a worktape and produced into a final custom demo.
Savior of the World Worktape
Savior of the World Track
Notice that an entire track was born from nothing more than a recording of a person singing the song a capella.
The point is, the singing is clear, you can understand the lyrics, and the producers and musicians have a direction to take the song.
How to Record a Worktape Step By Step
If you’re the kind of person who likes to leave little to question or chance, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s an exact process you can follow to make sure you provide us with a quality worktape.
Step 1: Your Voice Recorder
Remember, you do not need a sophisticated microphone setup in order to provide what is needed for a worktape!
Most of our customers provide a worktape recorded one of three ways:
- Using the microphone on your iPhone or Android device. A huge benefit of this is that the file size will usually be small enough to easily quick the “share” button and send via email or upload to Dropbox.
- Using the microphone on your computer. If you have a newer laptop or Mac desktop computer, the built-in microphone should be high enough quality to work. You will need a piece of software to record with, such as GarageBand (Mac) or Audacity (Windows), both of which are free.
- Using a standalone voice recorder. Voice recorders like this one on Amazon are very inexpensive and provide a great quality sound for your worktape. These are compatible with most computers out of the box. Just plug it in, transfer your files per their instructions, and then email them to us or upload to Dropbox.
Now, on to the recording.
Step 2: Recording Your Voice and/or Instrument
Ok, you’re in front of the recorder and it’s time to press the red button.
At this point, you’ve got your lyrics in front of you and you’re ready with your voice and/or instruments.
The most important thing is to make sure you are not too close or too far away from the microphone.
Too close, and the sound will be distorted and very difficult to understand. Too far, and it will be hard to hear what you’re saying and what chords are being played.
Between one and two feet away should be just right for most microphones.
Step 3: Sending Your Recording
Once you have finished recording, you will need to export the file and send it to us.
How you export the recording will vary depending on what you are using to record.
The simplest way to do this is record using the Voice Memos app on an iPhone (or similar app on Android) and simply “share” the recording directly to email.
Just email the representative you are working with and you’re off to the races!
If using a standalone voice recorder, this tutorial should be helpful, but consult the user’s manual for more specific instructions.
Here’s how to export audio using GarageBand, and here’s how to do it using Audacity.
Conclusion
Sending us a great quality worktape does not have to be hard or confusing.
Simply follow the steps above and work with your representative, and you will be sure to receive a quality end product.
Want to learn more about recording a custom demo with us? Click here for some more information.
