Writing Songs for Production Libraries

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Writing songs For production Libraries


Writing production music can be a daunting task. Being a versatile musician and a fast worker are a must in this business. As clients often say” I needed it yesterday!"
Production music libraries will typically offer a broad range of musical styles and genres, enabling producers and editors to find much of what they need in the same library. Music libraries vary in size from a few hundred tracks up to many thousands. There are many reputable libraries out there so do your research.
I would steer away from companies that want exclusivity unless they pay you upfront for material. Usually the non-exclusive library is your way to go.
You can find these companies by going in Google and typing in the keyword” Production Music libraries” or “Stock Music Libraries”. When you check out their site they will usually have a faq or submission tab to send them music. Do not…I repeat do not ever pay a company to submit music. This is usually a scam. Remember you are the artist….and you are the one providing them free material to make money off of….not the other way around.
As an example to how a typical production library works, feel free to check out my company http://www.directcomposer.com you will be able to see and preview production music and there is also a little video explaining the licensing process.
The bonus of writing for this medium vs touring/cd sales etc…Is that you don’t sell the rights to your songs…you are just allowing them to license a song for a set amount of time and a set price. This essentially means that you can license the same song over and over again…….great deal for musiciansJ
Some key points to work on are for writing production music are…
1:Learn your sequencer and programs inside and out.
2.accumulate good sounding libraries.
3.Learn how to mix and master
4.Study various styles of music and emulate there tones/arrangements and textures.
5.Don't be discouraged if a song gets rejected.

I have had many songs rejected over the years but that just pushed me to get better. In the 4 years I have delved head first into this business, I have licensed hundreds of songs and had my music on all of the major TV shows.....it can be done.
Learn from your mistakes and write everyday. I once heard that it is better to do something about your goal every day…even if it is poorly done….rather than do nothing at all. This is very true….believe me…I have written more than a few crappy songs…lol!
In further articles I will give my advice on the key points listed above, and hopefully will inspire you to great things!..
best,
Andrew Oye

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