American Idol Songwriting Contest Raises Great Questions

by Joe Taylor Jr. on April 25, 2007 · 112 comments

The discussion among American Idol Songwriter entrants is still going strong. We have opened up a new thread just about every day to accommodate the comments without bogging down the server or creating huge page downloads. If you’re new to our site, welcome!

Later this week, I hope to pull together a list of links to the songs that contestants have shared. There is some excellent songwriting going on. It’s nice to see that American Idol was able to light a fire under some folks — songwriting can sometimes take forever if you don’t have a good piece of external motivation.

The discussion’s also raising some great questions among newbie songwriters in our previous thread, specifically:

  • When should I join a Performing Rights Organization, like ASCAP or BMI? (Answer: Right after you finish the first song that you’re comfortable sharing with someone else.)
  • What does an “at source” royalty mean? (Answer: It means that your royalty is calculated under the terms of the country in which it is played, which can often lead to larger royalties in countries outside the United States. It really means you got a pretty good deal or a pretty good entertainment attorney.)
  • When will American Idol contact the winning songwriters? (Answer: We have no clue. But it seems to be fun waiting to find out.)

Remember that your comments are subject to occasional moderation by our external spam filter, which means that if you see the phrase “awaiting moderation,” it just means I’ve got to take a look at it before it goes live on the site. Tonight, I’m teaching a class and actually eating dinner, so expect some sporadic comment moderation. For the most part, if your previous comments have been approved, you should be able to post without problems. We’ve also got that snazzy new e-mail notifier to let you know when there’s something new to read.

Thanks for making this week so much fun, and keep the comments coming!

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Related posts:

  1. American Idol Songwriting Contest Discussion Continues…
  2. Have you entered a song into the American Idol Songwriter Contest?
  3. Tell us about your American Idol Songwriter contest entries…
  4. American Idol Songwriting Contest Update
  5. American Idol Songwriting Contest On Hold

{ 111 comments }

Laurie W April 26, 2007 at 9:46 am

I think we all have so many hopes wrapped up in this contest and though only a few will win it’s reminded me how much I love the idea of creating something that others will love to hear. The important thing is to keep doing what we love to do whether we win or not. It’s the ones that keep trying that eventually persevere. I know that may sound corny but I believe it to be true. Many great songs will get turned down and it doesn’t mean they aren’t great, just not what AI is looking for. Keep trying whether you get a call or not and keep trying to improve your talent.

Brenda Hebert April 26, 2007 at 9:50 am

I found a great link http://www.rpsd.com/moblog/2007/04/american-idol-new-list-of-songwriting.html
This site lists many AI Submissions on a list so it is easy to hear lots. Many of your songs may be up on it.

I have enjoyed listening to all of your songs. I think the decision was probably made for the Top 20 already, but if for some reason it hasn’t yet, Good Luck! Some of the songs I have listened to are very good! Maybe just getting your songs posted online will open some doors. There will be people coming online when voting starts and looking for the “other entries”. So don’t give up hope!!!

The Distance
http://www.iknowmyverses.com

bonjoev April 26, 2007 at 9:58 am

. . and Stephanie: Thank you for putting everything into perspective on this board.

Mike April 26, 2007 at 10:03 am

Speaking of downloading songs from last night’s show….I thought all of the songs would be available…I know it’s a longshot, but does anyone know the artist/song that was being played during one of the clips where Simon and Ryan were visiting the mother caring for 14 children who was taken to the hospital and sadly passed away. My sister asked me about the song and I didn’t recognize it.

david v April 26, 2007 at 10:07 am

Daniel Palmer, post 63
Enjoyed your song very much. Had a very Beatle-esque sound and quality to it.
I am too cautious to post my song “Will I See Your Smile? ” until after the 20 are announced. Of course, if I am one of the 20,all you will hear from me, per post #83 above, is a big “AMEN”.

Bert K. April 26, 2007 at 10:21 am

Unless they announce that there is a contest delay immediately, I have to believe that they have already contacted the initial Top20.

1. They need a signed contract, Ok, fax machine signatures will suffice. #2 They need your source file, which probably means overnight delivery.

And the voting begins Tuesday? You wouldn’t leave that small a margin of time when when deciding what to order and calling for a pizza. No, I bet the initial Top20 know now.

I didn’t get called, so, prove me wrong, please.

Bert K. April 26, 2007 at 10:36 am

sorry, Wed. May 2. Still, as an experienced manager and marketing person for some very sophisticated telecommunications projects; I would never comfortable with the time crunch they must be looking at if they HAVEN’T contacted the initial 20. No matter how good the planning, always allow extra time for the screw-ups. Nah, 20 people are smiling today.

Lauren April 26, 2007 at 10:55 am

Check out the thread on American Idol’s message boards under general discussions…
there’s a post that allows you to share your song…”Songwriter’s Join In…”
Best of luck to everyone! We should have an AI songwriting get together! :) hehe. I wonder if anyone wrote a purposely silly song to give the judges a laugh….
Love to all,
Lauren
http://www.myspace.com/laurendepino
“You Knew I’d Make It”

Jackie April 26, 2007 at 11:02 am

Michael, where are u?

Joe Taylor Jr. April 26, 2007 at 11:10 am

Closing comments on this thread and opening up a new one…

There’s a very special present in store for you when you answer my request in our next discussion thread:

http://spinme.com/2007/04/american-idol-songwriting-contest-discussion-continues/

Shaun April 26, 2007 at 11:10 am

Well,here it..April 27th already,and no word yet from anyone.I wouldn’t be surprised if no one knew anything more about this comp til Monday of next week.I have received one phone call today,but it was only from my grandmother.So everyone else,just rough it out like the rest of us I suppose!

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