As a songwriter who aspires to write songs for other artists , here's something I came across that I find slightly concerning. A CNN Entertainment article called "Ok, who REALLY wrote that song"
According to this article it's common practise for professional songwriters to give a co-write credit to the artist/singer who will be releasing the song. A co-write credit without the singer having actually made any contribution to writing it. It apparently gives the singer more credibility as an 'artist' if they "write their own material". Maybe this is common only to the top 40 style pop market.
This of course leaves aspiring professional songwriters with a possible ethical dilemma.
Would I personally give away an un-earned song writing credit for the privilege of having my song performed by a 'famous' singer. The short answer is probably (and possibly sadly) yes. At least initially if it was a way in and it was a way to get my song across to a ready audience, I would probably be prepared to share a songwriting credit with a singer who hasn't contributed a word or note.
Being a professional songwriter is a business. Getting to write for an established artist who along with their record company has the power to make you a lot of money and establish you name is the trade off. It's using leverage. Songs are where money is in the long term and once you are established you have more bargaining power in your hands and can negotiate better deals.
According to this article it's common practise for professional songwriters to give a co-write credit to the artist/singer who will be releasing the song. A co-write credit without the singer having actually made any contribution to writing it. It apparently gives the singer more credibility as an 'artist' if they "write their own material". Maybe this is common only to the top 40 style pop market.
This of course leaves aspiring professional songwriters with a possible ethical dilemma.
Would I personally give away an un-earned song writing credit for the privilege of having my song performed by a 'famous' singer. The short answer is probably (and possibly sadly) yes. At least initially if it was a way in and it was a way to get my song across to a ready audience, I would probably be prepared to share a songwriting credit with a singer who hasn't contributed a word or note.
Being a professional songwriter is a business. Getting to write for an established artist who along with their record company has the power to make you a lot of money and establish you name is the trade off. It's using leverage. Songs are where money is in the long term and once you are established you have more bargaining power in your hands and can negotiate better deals.
I welcome other songwriters and what they think of giving away a writing credit.
[Resource http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/25/music.whosreallywriting.ap/index.html?iref=werecommend]
[Resource http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/25/music.whosreallywriting.ap/index.html?iref=werecommend]
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