non-musicians+non-singers+lyricists...beware

I was just making a comment on a songwriting board, about those scam demo companies that suck lyricists and non-musicians in... and take advantage of their dreams & lack of knowledge of the industry. I wanted to post my thoughts here because I think this is serious business. It's serious because folks with talent are getting ripped off and I don't think any of us can afford to get ripped off.

If you are an aspiring songwriter and you dont sing, play an instrument, and/or write music, youve got a tough hill to climb. But IMO *paying* someone to write music for your lyrics is a mistake. IMO *paying* someone to make a demo AND giving them a share in the royalties is a no-win for you, and a big win for them. They don't have to do anything-- they've already made their money off of you. And, the demos suck. Imagine what the other publishers, music supervisors, etc. think. In fact, when they see a demo from one of those scam companies they immediately file it... in the waste bin.

I believe you should find a local musican to co-write with. You should both invest in the songs, and you both take the risk of it not working oute.g., youve both made an equal investment in the song(s). Even better, you should take guitar lessons, learn how to read notation, and learn the skills of being a songwriter, over time. If the music is in you, all you need is the skills to bring it out. No one else can write for you what you could be inspired to write if you had the means.

I know we all think that we're the next best & brightest songwriters... but let's also be intelligent enough *not* to fall for the scams. And let's also be smart enough to understand life, and art, is a process, and that you grow over time into the artist you were meant to be. There are no shortcuts. Define success for yourself, set your goals, and work slowly and surely on achieving them.

I'm earnest about this cause 3 years ago I wasted $3,000 on making great demos of songs that sucked. I'm more sober now, and I won't spend a penny until I have a worktape that has passed muster with folks I trust.

I don't mean to be discouraging to the non-musicians among us. I'm only saying this cause I care.

Whew, I'm glad I got that off my chest.