Mbu 1110 fall 2018 the song section 3

1. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin

2. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin

3. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
The Market
• The Good News:
 “Songs are the fuel that
powers the global music
business machine, and
frequent fill-ups are
essential.”
 New media have
expanded new product’s
oaudience
ocommercial demand

4. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin

5. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin

6. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
The Bad News:
only fraction of songwriters find acceptance
even fewer will build sustainable careers
Why?
lack of ability
lack of desire or willingness to work hard
oversaturated market
Not everybody has what it takes
Not everybody who has what it takes finds success
“You are unique. That is your greatest asset. But for now, it’s
your greatest curse.”

7. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Predictors of Success
• A good song doesn’t always mean it’s a hit song:
 A hit song = significant radio airplay, streaming, and downloads + sales
 A good song = well-crafted music + lyrics
• Song criteria changed since The Beatles. Now
 songs incorporate various styles
 songs straddle multiple genres
 audience tastes are not easily predictable
 trends are born (and die) fast

8. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Predictors of Success
• Good songs exhibit the following general criteria:
1. The song is memorable; it has a hook
2. The song has immediate appeal
3. The lyrics contain an overall theme and employ vivid
phrases or imagery
4. The song is well crafted and exhibits an arc

9. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
A HIT!
A hit song involves these additional elements (outside
the songwriter’s control):
1. The song gets an appealing initial performance,
hopefully recorded by a well-known performer
2. The record company gets behind the project and
promotes strong airplay
3. The song and the recording suit the taste of the
current market
4. The recording is distributed effectively throughout
the country (and globe)

10. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin

11. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
The Business of Writing
• Anyone who aspires to a songwriting career must treat the job as a
business
• A writer is only successful if the songs are exploited
• Promotion requires commitment—time and effort
• Yeah… you need LUCK! But you make luck too!

12. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin

13. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Key Income Sources From a Song or Composition
1 . Mechanical royalties
• Paid for each reproduction of a song
• Compulsory and standardized
2. Performance royalties
 for any broadcast or performance
 income can equal or surpass mechanical royalties
 collected by affiliated PRO
 Negotiable
3. Synchronization fees
• Negotiable

14. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Income Sources from a Song

15. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Income Sources From a Song

16. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Income Sources
Performance Royalties and New Revenue Streams
• Other income sources
 sheet music
 MP3 downloads
 video downloads
 satellite radio
 Internet radio
 digital subscription services
 cell phone ringtones

17. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Some Publishing Options
1. Writer can sign contract with established publisher
2. Writer can negotiate co-publishing contract with established
publisher
3. Writer can set up publishing company
4. Personal manager or attorney may administer writer’s
publishing company
5. Writer can enter into partnership or set up corporation
6. Writer can take staff job at established publisher
-Different kind of staff writer deals

18. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Publishing Options
Label Affiliated Deals
• Singer/songwriter = attractive prospect to publisher
 artist earns writer royalties + artist royalties
 publisher need not convince recording artist to use songs
 label may pressure writer to sign away publishing rights in
order to get recording contract
• Singer/songwriter does have royalty downside
 controlled composition clause

19. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Evaluating Publishers
1. What is the publisher’s reputation for integrity?
2. How good is the firm’s leadership?
3. What is the firm’s long-term track record?
4. Is the company making money?
5. Who in the company cares about you and your material?
6. What are the firm’s resources?
7. If your songs hit, does the company understand the print business and
licensing options?
8. If your songs hit, does the company understand licensing abroad?
9. If your songs hit, does the company have experience in negotiating the
whole range of digital uses?

20. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin
Breaking In: Network, Network, and Then Network Some More
• Industry connections and contacts are key
• Contact local ASCAP or BMI rep
• Attend workshops
• Enter contests
• Be where the business is…

21. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin

22. MBU 1110 FALL 2018 - Eric M. Griffin