Diversify Your Portfolio
fAs a songwriter, you want to have a diverse catalogue of songs so that when you obtain a publishing deal your publisher has an abundance of material with which to work. The more songs you have, the better positioned you’ll be to land cuts you weren’t expecting. So what type of songs should you have in your portfolio? Let’s discuss.
Artists specific pitch songs. There are a cornucopia of artists working today who will need songs in the future. Find inspiration in their current works and imagine what they might want to release in the future. Take into account their singing style, lyrical direction, and vocal range. Pen a few for some of the major artists out in the market in the event that your future publisher has the in with said artist.
Non-specific sync songs. When you’re recouping your deal, synchronization licenses can make a huge dent into your recoupment. Sync songs get placed in television and ads and tend to be rather non-specific lyrically. Then tend to deal with feelings of courage, confidence, togetherness - essentially any grandiose feeling of that nature. Try your best to land a few of these, especially with other writers who do not have publishing deals so that there are less boundaries between you and a placement.
Experimental songs outside of your genre. Not every room you want to work in will agree with your typical genre selection. Do your best to have a few songs that feel off the beaten path. These tend to impress listeners and might garner you admittance into rooms you weren’t expecting.
Guitar Vocals. Not every artist is looking for songs that have completed production. EDM artists and some acoustic pop acts will likely prefer something stripped back. Have a few of these ready for listeners.
Ultimately, songwriters who have a more diverse portfolio might have a better chance of obtaining a diverse amount of cuts. Do your best to be a songwriter whose portfolio is ready for anything. f
