Songwriter

Songwriters specialize in the construction of the songs from performing artists of every level. They may produce the entirety of a song (lyrics, beats, melodies, harmonies, arrangements, etc.) or specialize in just one portion of the production process. Lyricists will craft the words for lyrics, production songwriters will craft the tracks behind the lyrics, and topline writers will craft melodic lines out of the lyrics to go with a track (they also often write the lyrics as well). Some may perform the material they write, while others write commercially for artists at record labels. 

Commercial songwriting is much more of a collaborative effort than the traditional concept of the singer/songwriter; it isn’t uncommon for modern songs to be produced by a large team of songwriters and production specialists.

Songwriting is one of the most common ways to break into commercial song production and hopefully gain connections with major recording labels. Income for songwriters differs from traditional employment: songwriters are usually offered a cash advance based upon a percentage of the royalty earnings the record label expects to make off the track in the future. If the track makes earnings beyond the expected advance payment, the songwriter then earns an additional percentage of those royalty payments. What this employment arrangement lacks in benefits and regularity, it makes up for with flexibility of work schedule and competitive financial compensation in cash advances. 

Aspiring songwriters will want to build instrumental proficiency, gain experience performing, practice using production and recording software, and practice writing as many songs as possible. Degrees in music performance, production, and songwriting can be an excellent way to build the skills needed for this career and build a professional network.