KNOW YOUR OWN STRENGTHS
by Ralph Murphy
Ralph Murphy, hit songwriter
One of the top ten questions I get asked by newcomers to the industry is, “How do I get heard in the music business?” Before I can answer that, I have to know exactly what they want to be “heard.” When I ask them about their goals — whether they want to be songwriters or recording artists — the most common response is, “Both.”
Listen to the truth
The unfortunate truth of the matter is that, while many of thenewcomers I counsel may be gifted as songwriters or as singers, very, very few are equally blessed with both talents. While one ability may come rather naturally, the other often needs significant honing.
The problem is, not everyone wants to hear the truth. Some great singers (who are average songwriters) can make the really average songs they’ve written shine through the sheer power of their vocal ability. They make the phrase “I love you” sound so good that you almost believe they invented it. In equal numbers come the great songwriters (who are average singers) who have been told by family, friends, lovers, and late-night adoring coffeehouse/honky-tonk buffoons that, despite the fact that their tempo, pitch and teeth are bad, they have star quality. And no matter how badly they sing, their songs are still strong enough to survive a mediocre vocal performance and sound like hits. (This is the only reason karaokemanufacturers are not hunted for sport!)
Check your ego at the door
The bottom line is: lose your ego. It’s called “absenting of self.” The person most likely to come between you and your career goal is you. Don’t make the best of your talent a donkey for the least of your talent. Get some unbiased feedback from industry pros (available through a variety of NSAI programs), and if you are indeed weaker in one area, focus on your strength.
If you’re a great singer — but an average writer — don’t be upset if someone loves your voice but wants you to sing someone else’s songs. Go find those great songs while you learn to become a better writer. By the same token, if you’re a great songwriter — but an average singer — don’t be upset if someone wants to record your songs but passes on you as an artist. Remember, this is called the music “business,” and the business end of our industry knows that the majority of the G.A.P. (Great American Public) just wants to hear great records. They don’t lie awake nights wondering who wrote and/or sang the songs they like on the radio.
Be smart
If you have a sneaking suspicion that the preceding law even remotely applies to you, then do yourself this favor: picture the music industry as a large building with an entrance for singers on one side, and an entrance for songwriters on the other. Maybe you can’t go through both doors at the same time, but you can concentrate on getting inside through the door that opens the most easily for you. Who knows? Once you’re inside, you can end up just about anywhere.
Ralph Murphy, hit songwriter and expert, has been successful for five decades. He wrote huge hit songs such as Crystal Gayle’s “Talking in Your Sleep” and “Half the Way”. Consistently charting songs in an ever-changing musical environment makes him a member of that very small group of professionals who make a living ding what they love to do. Add to that the platinum records as a producer, his success as the publisher and co-owner of the extremely successful Picalic Group of Companies and you see a pattern of achievement based on more than luck. Achieving “hit writer” status has always been a formidable goal for any songwriter. Never more so however than in the 21st century. Catching the ear of the monumentally distracted, fragmented listener has never been more difficult. Getting their attention, inviting them in to your song and keeping them there for long enough for your song to become “their song” requires more than being just a “good” songwriter.
Murphy’s Law of Songwriting
*His book Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting “The Book” arms the songwriter for success by demystifying the process and opening the door to serious professional songwriting. Hall of fame songwriter Paul Williams said in his review of the book “If there was a hit songwriters secret handshake “Da Murphy” would probably have included it.” To get the book, enter 3 or more songs at the IAMA and receive this exclusive book for FREE»
