Our discussion about your entries into American Idol’s songwriting contest rolls on. For newcomers, we’ve been splitting comments into new threads every 100 comments or so to keep our server from melting. Beyond that, there’s a lot of fun, positive discussion going on between some industry veterans and some newbie songwriters about everything from whether someone’s received The Call from Los Angeles to signing up with ASCAP or BMI. Among the highlights in the last thread:
- One commenter has discovered a blogger that’s tracking every single American Idol Songwriter entry she can find. If I had a little more time this week, I’d maybe turn this into a wiki. Does anyone want to volunteer?
- Questions about songwriting royalties and song ownership have been covered in previous threads. Feel free to explore the “you may also be interested in…” section of each page to navigate through all of our American Idol discussions.
- There’s a very compelling debate about how “religious” music overlaps with “pop” music. For example, how does a song like “Jesus Take the Wheel” become a hit if screeners claim they’re not looking for songs with religious overtones?
- And, spinme.com readers are the brightest and most talented audience a writer could wish for. But we knew that already.
Remember, all music criticism is entirely subjective. While some folks like to think that all music fits into a certain set of “rules,” every Billboard Top 100 hit got there because of someone’s gut reaction to a song. With that said, a request. As you critique each other, try to use the “sandwich” method. Find something good to say about the song before you rant about what’s wrong with it. Back that up with what you would love to hear the songwriter do on their next attempt. A few of the comments in the last thread were borderline unconstructive, and I’d prefer to keep this discussion focused on how every one of our songwriters can improve their craft.
Finally, a personal request from me. Our weekly newsletter goes out this afternoon, and I want to make sure you get the benefit of some goodies we’re enclosing in there. I am feeling particularly generous this week. Therefore, I’ll be enclosing a FREE subscriber-only link to a recording of a class I taught about “mailbox money” — ways that songwriters can earn money from their craft, especially if they’re not performers by nature. I’m going to make that a free download for 72 hours, because you all have put so much energy into our songwriting discussions this week. Sign up today, so I can send that to you!
Track these topics: American+Idol, contest, music+business, songwriter, songwriting
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I’m not claiming to be on the A&R team, but this is my favorite so far. “I Thought I Knew You”
http://www.myspace.com/katedmonson
Several others (zane,hangcat) also great but not as tailor-made for this contest. Well done, Kat Well done, all!!
Ann, Mine also had a place for my Date of Birth, a check box for if I was over 10, a US citizen… then on the credit card page, all it asked for was my Name, CC Type, CC number, the CSV code on the back of the card, and my e-mail address… that was it, because I am looking at the screen print as we speak, so I am wondering if somewhere along the line they changed the submission form?
oops, on my post #102 I meant to say “over 18”..
I do remember reading while filling out the bio page,that whatever was written for your own personal bio really wasn’t all that important.If someone happens to be selected for a coveted position in the Top 20,I guess it would give the people voting something more to know about the person who wrote it.In some ways the bio can be important,but I don’t think it will make or break a contender.a question that arose for me was the song length.I entered one song that was almost 4 minutes,and another that was just below the 2 and a half minute mark.Does anyone have any feedback on if one entry would be considered to long,and perhaps the other to short for this competition?
I just found this blog yesterday. Before that I had no idea that people were posting their songs and such.
I thought I would share a dream I had 4 or 5 days ago. I dreamed that Simon Cowell was listeing to each song and grading them on a scale of 1 to 5. 5 being the highest. He listened to my song and gave it a 3. I asked how many “5’s” there have been and he said he could only foresee 2 or 3 songs getting a 5. I realized all the “4’s” would be re-listened to and each had a chance. I mentioned, “I guess since I got a “3”, that I have no chance”. He said, “Let me listen to yours again.” and he decided it was good enough to be a “4”.
I have no idea how the prcess works and I had never really thought about it before but it was an intersting dream. And… Simon Cowell was really nice! (although I wouldn’t think he is involved in grading all the songs)
Ann S, When did you submit? I wonder if there was a change on the forms. There was a “re-vamp” time period. I wonder if they changed it? I sent my song it towards teh end. I wonder if they changed it? Either that… or I am going crazy – because I really wanted to put a phone number in and couldn’t find a spot. I guess it doesn’t matter!
Thanks for posting that Coop.I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say thanks for keeping our hopes somewhat kicking!
I definitely did not enter an age. I purposely left any indication of age out in my bio. Ageism is alive and well in Hollywood. (Note: the singers have an age limit) I think the only thing related to age was to be over 18.
hey guys!
We’re still alive! (possibly)
As far as the phone# thing, i definately remember inputing my phone number. I definately remember it also saying that it was for them to contact you if you are in the top 20(others have confirmed this too). This was discussed in an earlier thread.
I think though, that might have been when you registered as a songwriter, not on the song submission. I think that may be why there is a little confusion. ‘Cause i know i entered a phone#, maybe it was in the initial registration. Does anyone remember exactly?
Michael,
if you are who you say you are, thank you for your insight on the contest and songwriting. it’s much appreciated.
Joe Taylor Jr,
Much thanks again to you! This is a great discussion. You should think about starting a big “songwriting forum”(if you haven’t already). If you started with the fine folks here, you would have a real good start on, what i think would be, a great thriving community for songwriters. I’d even pay a membership fee!:)This event seems to be bonding the people here. Thanks again!
Michael,
The winner of this comp., will they not add anything to the song besides an arrangement? Do you think they will sing it the same way and keep the exact same melody? I hope not, because I would love to hear my song taken up a few notches to it’s fullest potential. My co-writer who sings for my song also supplied the music. I struggled as best as I could to sing it the way I thought it should be sung and she made it a little slower than I had imagined it, but she didn’t have the time nor did I, so…anyway, I would love for them to change it up a bit, but you’re saying they can’t?
I’ve been silent for too long…….feeling everything everyone is writing. I’m in your boat and let’s face it, it hasn’t sunk….yet. Regarding the FACTS, FACTS, FACTS….No. 3 “They will post the submitted demos, they will not re-record the songs” – Well what happened to “the magic” they will perform on our songs and you don’t have to be a good singer. Wish there was some mention in the fine print about whatever we sumbit would be what they will use ….would have polished it up a bit, but I thought that didn’t matter. Oh well, live and learn. Good Luck everyone.
I like Zane William’s the best so far š
Lauren
http://www.myspace.com/laurendepino
Michael- though wouldn’t you agree that the key change is just a technical thing and can be added by the music director? it is pretty simple.
My opinion based on my experiences with songwriting is that the bridge is one of the most difficult things to write, therefore, many songs lack bridges…
Michael and Cooper- thanks for the little tidbits of info!!
you guys rule.
tamar
COOP, wow that is amazing info……i think it is SO UNFAIR we didn’t know they would play the song as recorded, their words were like “don’t worry becuase we’ll be arranging it” otherwise, we would have headed to the studio for sure……….
anyone: does a prechorus have to have a lot of words or can it be simply “so…..” with a melodic interlude moving into the chorus???
to Trish…
in no way do i want you to feel like me or anyone else is attacking you; it is not my intention to do so. but i fear that you are taking this stuff way too personally.
no one is saying you have to believe anything said in this blog. even though i am not Diane Warren or David Foster or Quincy Jones, you could learn alot from me and others here. there are some people here that do know a lot about the industry, and they don’t have to be a famous person to have credentials as you seem to require. i can tell the way some of them talk and the things they say that they have some good knowledge about the biz. i have years of music experience and studio experience, since i was 8 years old in fact. i have been classically trained in piano (although i am no longer polished enough to sight-read), i was trained in drums in highschool and have been using synthezisers and recording equipment since 1990. i have been in several bands and worked with singers, but never “made it big” by your standards. i continue to work on songs and record and produce. because i know scales and chords, and rhythm from the drums, and have experience with singers, i consider myself successful in many ways when it comes to songwriting and producing. do i have really good music skills? i sure as hell do. am i a famous big name artist or producer? not yet…but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen and think carefully about what i say, or any of the other would-be-professionals say in these blogs. but once again, you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
quit trying to protect the feelings of the people you think are hopeless (who are these people you are refering to anyway? and do they need to be protected?). i remember you saying you were depressed about this whole thing, maybe you are just protecting yourself? i don’t remember anyone calling out to you for emotional rescue (good Stones song btw).
in any case, i truly doubt that your intent was to bring people down or get into any arguments. you probly just wanted to help out, but it came across much differently. as you said, you may have not clearly stated yourself. that isn’t anyone’s fault but yours, so why put me and others down for your mistake?
so, from now on, maybe you can simply state your thoughts on the topics instead of criticizing what people said because you don’t believe it? if someone posts a song, say if you like it or don’t like it and give concrete reasons why. if you think religious or uplifting are the same or totally different, gives explicit reasons and examples that back your beliefs and thoughts, don’t make it a personal thing. just state what you believe and think about it. present your argument like an adult. that is all that i have done. and it takes more than 2 or 3 sentences to make a clearly stated point on many of these issues because there are so many ways they can play out.
if you have serious credentials, tell us why you think you should be putting us down on a personal level? how are you qualified to do so? if you or someone you know works for 19 Entertainment, then bring out the facts and quit lurking around putting the rest of us down that you think aren’t famous enough to believe in yet.
i think my singer is going to agree to let us put our song online tomorrow, so if you want to criticize something, listen to our AI contest submission and have at it! but in the future, please refrain from the personal attacks in questioning my or others’ integrity and knowledge we have shared on this site. constructive criticism is more than welcome of course, as long as it has to do with the songs.
take care and i wish you the best in all you do…
Love this string but does anyone know how I keep this site from sending me a notice each time there’s a new posting??
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Sweet, I am off the hook. All yours Coop. More wine for me.
Y’all are way chatty today, which is great. You’re also getting me in gear over a project I had long ago mothballed. Learn more, and keep discussing at the new thread:
https://spinme.com/2007/04/trytunescom-back-from-hiatus-featuring-american-idol-songwriter-entries/