Because I spend much of my time working with performers, it’s really great to see so many songwriters stopping by the site to comment about the American Idol Songwriter entry process.
Here’s a new thread for you to keep the discussion going about your entries, your other songs, and the run up to May’s unveiling of the Top Twenty finalists.
Technorati Tags: american+idol, songwriting+contest
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Hey everyone,
Here’s one of my entries in AI: http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=3254 ” You Made Me Feel Again” I wrote this song as a tribute to all of the people who have been inspirational, nurturing and supportive in my life. I regret that I didn’t have the time to write a song specifically for the contest–I am hoping that this one is not too far off from their target. There is actually a reference to singing in the first verse.
Sandra
Ann-
Hopefully you’ve posted a fantastic #1 reason by now….so we can all recommend you as a writer for the Letterman Show….let alone the AI Top20.
I was thinking why would they want 20 songs that all sound the same. It seems like they would want a variety of songs that deal with their subjece. Then they can use the leftovers for other Idol finalists. So, if we believe this theory then we all have a chance at it. Because even though songs like “Here I Am” are really good and probably what they might want for Melinda or Jordin they will get maybe 15 other songs that are great songs but with a different style.
Also I agree with whoever said that they will probaly move today and tomorrow towards clearing the top 20 songs with the writers. Well there’s still time to hope for…..
Ralph:
I was basically judging by what I thought would make the top 20 by what was said on the idol website. I think Tamar is right … who the heck knows what they want. I “feel” they want more of the same. Correction, I think they want more of the same but to have it come from an amateur “american songwriter” voted on by the “american public.” I think that 20 songs is too many for the public to vote for. I think at that stage, just like with the singing idols it comes to popularity and who can muster the most votes?
Sometimes I feel that it’s a possibility to make the top 20 and other times I feel like it’s a total crap shoot and there is no chance in hell. If I were to be diagnosed by a therapist … they’d prescribe some heavy duty medicine for the severe mood swing 🙂 We need to get this over with already so that I can focus on something else for little.
I just hate that were all so in the dark! As I often say, being a musician (especially a composer, songwriter or singer) you are so exposed and just there for the pickings. We wear our hearts on our sleeves (you know, in the songs) and we are all looking for a big break to let people hear/know that you can do this. Like I said the other day … dealing with record companies in this “popular” music business is tough. This is the reason I stuck mostly to classical and choral … there is almost a definite listen each time and it’s so much easier to place material. all my pop stuff end up in a drawer with no where to send it.
as for trying to decide on a tune … it’s hard not to pay attention to the performance and also pay attention to what your personal preference is. Good luck to those A&R guys. I don’t envy them one bit! Not only do they have to listen to all this material, but they can’t submit anything because they work for 19 entertainment. 🙂
Okay my song is posted as well. This board has helped me feel comfortable to come out as a songwriter. Check out: “Stars Don’t Fall”
http://www.myspace.com/bartmitchellmusic
The sad thing is that Season 6 of AI will be remembered for Sanjaya more than they will be whoever wins.
I’m going to be in trouble if I don’t get my work done….I mean the work I get paid for doing! I seem to be obsessing on reading this blog…and listening to these songs. It’s fun. I’m just wondering what will happen to everyone when it’s over. The big let down. With all this anticipation..there’s bound to be a let down. Ugghh.
No one has heard my song except a 6 year old piano student who showed up for his lesson and wanted to know what I was doing. He liked it!!
Not to upset many of you, but i really think that AI is looking for the next “undiscovered” songwriting talent. as they put it. most of you with a my space link, or any previously released songs or albums out there might not fit that description. Not that they dont want anyone that is currently in the music business, but they did say, “it could be a 50 year old grandmother from tennessee”
I almost think they want the winner to have very limited music experience. I hope not because that would not be good for most of us!!!!
And the #1 reason that the 20 final songs haven’t been announced yet….
1. The AI people and AR reps are enjoying reading this discussion and watching us sweat before they finally announce the songs of their 20 best friends and relatives as the top 20, and throw a big party with the quarter mil they collected from us!!
I am rather suspicious of this whole contest. The rules weren’t very detailed. The way they would use the songs wasn’t clear. It sounds like a cash grab when they are instructing people on how to record using windows.
I am just saying that AI is ALWAYS about the “story”. and what is a better story, to introduce to the world on the finale (they did say the winner would be introduced on the finale) a “grandmother” who wrote the lyrics on her “front porch”, as they said, and has never even thought of the music business, or a vocalist/songwriter thats already in an existing band, that has put out albums and gigged regularly over the past few years. think about it…
But I would also think that they would want someone who has been a songwriter and has never been given that break…just like Kelly Clarkson who was trying forever to break into the biz before AI. Personally, I think that’s more important to them. I don’t think they want a grampa who has never written before this contest…it doesn’t make sense. They will want someone who they can possibly work with in the future, maybe someone who has more songs available. That would make sense to me because then that becomes another story of how AI helped a struggling songwriter. If someone that has never written a song before wins this it will be cool, but the story will end there, you know?
just my little opinion….what do you think?
http://www.myspace.com/tamarberk
“Comes Down To Me”
&
“On My Own”
okay seriously, I am dyin here. If anyone gets a call you MUST post it. My attorney in LA says his people have heard to be ready for the weekend. This is a rumor, but they feel there will be a flurry of flights out. For whatever it’s worth, i hope someone here gets in.
you mean this weekend???
Not to pick on you, Meghan, but this is the kind of attitude that I worry about: “It could have had a better performance by someone else singing and better musical production. ”
This is a songwriting contest, not a song performing contest, and if the people who are posting in this blog can’t even remember that, how can we expect the average American voter to remember that? Let’s face it–those of us with less-than-polished entries are hosed. 🙁
Ed–exactly. You’ve come up with the perfect #1 to our Top Ten List.
Next game?
#63 Michael
Hmm – I may be a good songwriter – or not. But I do have extensive business and marketing experience. And Murphys Law rules. Anyone at AI who waits until this weekend to get moving on finalists – should be fired. I can’t believe that AI would not contact the Top20 by COB today.
Perhaps I am mistaken in my speculation and you have better intel. What did you mean – by a flurry of flights out?
For what it’s worth, my thought is that AI may seek to put a little of everything in the Top 20 – experienced writers, yes, and polished demos, yes, but also total amateurs and I do think that a more “amateur” sounding production could even win some votes as it will make people feeling they are cheering for the underdog.
OK….If there are people out there who PRAY…please pray for me. I just went to the bathroom…….got back to my office and I had a call on my cell phone from the 213 area. That’s Los Angeles. That’s the area code they would be calling from. When I try to dial it back….I get fast beeps.
I’m dying right now.
Ok Ok I admit, I am the grandma sitting on her front porch. I have never written a song before other than one for my daughter’s pre-school class play. I have always written poetry and I have to tell you that I was so inspired to write my song in the hopes that God had a bigger picture painted for my life rather than 50 notebooks of heartwrenching poetry. So…forgive me if I get chosen. Sorry, I just had to get that out… as for days I have been reading this blog feeling guilty if I did win, because I don’t even play an instrument for goodness sake…and comparing myself to all those that have spent many a years fine-tuning their skills for this big break. Alright, now that I’ve come out of the closet, I feel better now. Thanks for the group therapy.
I wish I knew how to post my song for some feedback. I, like many others, don’t want to open a myspace account because I won’t allow my daughter. Anyhow, this whole thing is so consuming, I almost can’t wait for life to go back to the same old same old and keeping my dreams, just that, my dreams.
I’ve been reading your emails with interest the last few days since i discovered this site! I entered two songs; they aren’t posted anywhere-
if there are truly 25,000 entries then the chances of anyone who is on this site being chosen, is pretty slim also! So we may never actually know when people are notified. I agree they could have been more “up front’ about when winners would be notified, even “during the week of” and also about submitting more than one entry, it wasn’t till we pushed “send” on the first one and saw “send another song.” I went back and re read everything and did find again under some of the “instructions.” In my haste and excitement, i skipped some sections! Like you, I assumed that the twenty songs would be arranged professionally for judging, since that’s what they said! I think like most screenings, they’ll play a verse and a chorus; if they like it, they’ll hear the whole thing and if not…………DELETE! The final songs will then probably go through a committee screening before the final 20 are whittled. In 1997 i won a songwriting contest out of 12,500 entries so i’m here to tell you it can be done! I sure hope the person who said “they don’t want experienced songwriters” is wrong! Most people who enter this are people with some musical or writing background, probably 90%. I think because of what’s at stake, they want a great song that’s going to sell records. But the fact that all of you submittied, we all have a reason to watch, wait and hope! So i’m glad i took the chance and entered. Best of luck, Rosanna Beech
NANCY WAS IT FROM L.A??? Yu have my heart doing fast beeps!!!
Hello Everyone-
AI has more than enough money and success….that our combined $250k is peanuts.
If they find 2 or 3 real rough diamonds….it pays for their time 100x.
There is no benefit for AI to “burn” or “take advantage” of anyone. Quite the contrary.
Spend your extra time chillin and listening to The Beatles. If any of you think that Sir Paul would like your song….you are sure to be a Top20.
All the Best…!!
213 is LA, or Smell-A, depending on your point of view. Good Luck Nancy – it sounds like you got THE call.
Michael, I totally agree. I am in the industry and chances are many of the called finalists will be undoable for a variety of reasons. So, they really are looking for 30 or more. I know most of my contacts expect the calls tomorrow or thursday with finalized decisions by friday. The rumor is that people might be flown out to pitch basically. “What else have you got?” sort of meetings. This does not have to do with finalists per se but more so for prospects. Meaning: “We could sign this writer for one song, but let’s see if we can find those with deep catalogs.”
The reasoning here is simple 35 million votes. With those kind of numbers, the “songwriting finalists” with albums or singles ready to download, etc. stand to make a killing from the cross promotion. So, there will be a risk/reward assessment. They also really do need songwriters. The whole industry does.
once again rumors
Yes…it was really from L.A.
It’s a number that won’t allow you to call back….
If it WAS them…..do you think they would try again? Or just move on to the next person….?
I want to find out who has that number….so at least I would KNOW.
Nancy….a great song is a great song. Don’t worry. If it was them…I think they will call you back and email you….a few times.
Relax…even though it’s hard….ha…..!!
This is all way too much fun….!!
sorry to ruffle so many feathers. I really hope that someone who has worked hard in the business and paid there dues makes it into the top 20. I was just saying that knowing how AI is, they will probably include a few newbies in the mix, just for the “story” sake. No news yet here on the east coast. good luck everyone.
Nancy, if you do not know anyone else in L.A., have no other songs out there or any other “suspect” thing, YES it could be, i imagine they’d have a number you can’t call back! But i think they’d leave a message at least on your cell. If you’re “chosen” i can’t imagine they would move on. I’m sure they make several attempts before they’d give up. keep your cell phone GLUED on!
Nancy, all my hopes. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.
Be cool Nancy- If you got a call, from American Idol, even if it was them and they never called you back: you have a hit. And if they don’t call you back (which won’t happen – they will), you’ll make more money with the next record exec who hears it.
So – be cool and great luck to you.
Google reverse phone number lookup. That might help. I just got a call from an unknown number by I guy I didn’t know who knew my name. Imagine my disappointment when it was a recruiter..:( All this talk is making me crazy.
In response to comment 115 by Tamar Berk, I totally agree that the songs that have religious references are unlikely to be among the top 20. There may be perhaps one if the melody and hook are extraordinary. I find many inspirational songs both religious and nonreligious to be boring. I think that Ai will be looking for something unique and many of the inspirational numbers are not unique in my opinion.
Hi, everyone. I’ve really enjoyed listening to all of the songs posted here. I wanted to post ours as well, and to hear your reactions. http://www.myspace.com/dreamcarmusic It’s called “everybody’s got a song to sing,” and it’s upbeat. I know they’ve always had ballads, but we thought it’d be nice to hear something different. We wrote it especially for the contest, and we recorded it at our house. I don’t usually sing this type of material — I’d LOVE to hear a great singer do it — American Idol style! (Wouldn’t we all!) Best of luck to everyone — everyone really DOES have a song to sing!
Nancy,
Praying for you girl! Please let us know. How cool would that be!!!
“I totally agree that the songs that have religious references are unlikely to be among the top 20. ”
Ha, yeah, that’s why “Jesus take the wheel” and “Inside your heaven” were a total flops.
Nancy….call AT&T….who bought SBC….who took over PacBell….and have that number traced…!!
I live in SoCal….so I know that AT&T “owns” that area. Perhaps you can track that number and call them back….b4 they call you….which they surely will….if they are AI. They may just be on a late lunch. It’s only 1:37pm here.
Diamond on April 23 posted a song called Diamonds in my Knapsack. It is very original sounding with a nice violin. Only problem is I had trouble hearing the words in the lyric clearly. Was this song professionally demoed ? Who played the violin part? Was this song written specifically for AI? How many other songs have you written. I like the originality.
I haven’t posted in in several days but I thought I’d chime in on a few points.
If the voting is online that means the public will be voting on songs they hear through their computer’s speakers. That further favors songs with good production values.
Most of us, myself included, experience songwriting as a very personal emotional experience and a contest like this can easily begin to feel like a referendum on our worthiness as songwriters and people. Don’t fall into that trap! I guarantee that most of the best songs of the last 30 years wouldn’t make the top 20 because AI is looking for a very narrow, specific kind of song and lyric. Your ability as a songwriter is not determined by this contest.
One last thought: For those who don’t make the top 20, it would be nice to know if you were #21 as opposed to #24,421. But you will never know…..
man, this blog is heating up. this is getting furious!!
Nancy’s close call made me call my wife at home screaming “did you get any calls from (213)?!!”
Of course she wasnt home!
If this keeps up, tomorrow is going to be crazy.
Everyone stay calm, including me!!!
Anticipation, The best $10.00 I ever spent.
OK guys…lol..we need to settle down. As I said above, it does seem like today or tomorrow would have to be the notification day, but sheesh…If they liked ur song..they’ll call all your numbers and give you a bit of time to respond.
I’m thinking that this year they might like a song that isn’t so cheezy in terms of lyrics that speak directly to the AI journey, but rather lyrics that could encompass a journey to success like AI and, at the same time, be a song that would be meaningful in general as a radio hit. No one really wants to hear a song specifically about the American Idol contest beyond the finale night. What do you think?
ok guys and gals, its after 5 here in NY, time to head home from work and continue this from my home computer. I guess no news is not good news, or whatever they say. but its still early in LA.
here’s to someone from this site getting a call soon!
Time to shift to today’s thread…
https://spinme.com/2007/04/213-area-code-calls-from-american-idols-songwriting-competition-judges/