Navigating the Music Industry: How to Submit Your Song Lyrics

For many aspiring musicians and writers, the process of submitting original song lyrics can be both exciting and daunting. If you’ve composed your lyrics and are eager to share them with the world, you’ll want to ensure that you take the right steps. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best practices for submitting your song lyrics to copyright offices and industry professionals.

Step 1: Copyright Your Music

The first essential step in protecting your intellectual property is to secure a copyright. The United States Copyright Office (USCO) is the authoritative body that oversees copyrights. You can submit various forms of your music, including copied sheet music, lyric sheets, and recorded music tracks. The USCO website offers detailed instructions and forms to facilitate the process. Head over to their official website to begin or call with any questions you may have. When submitting, make sure to include all the necessary contact information.

Step 2: Explore Local Radio Stations

A great first step to getting your songs heard is to submit them to local radio stations. Many stations, especially those catering to youth audiences, often seek new talent. If you’re young, there’s a higher chance that your submission will catch their attention.

Consider these steps:

Record a high-quality version of your song, ensuring it’s professionally produced. Visit your local radio stations or reach out to their music directors via email or phone. Submit your recording along with a brief artist bio and any other relevant information.

Some radio stations will be thrilled to highlight new talent, so don’t hesitate to reach out. They may even offer feedback and guidance to improve your chances of success.

Step 3: Understand Record Label Expectations

If your goal is to sell your song to record labels, it’s crucial to understand their preferences. Record labels typically do not want to receive fully produced demos. Instead, they prefer an acoustic or stripped-down version.

Here’s why:

Demonstrating the melody and lyrics is more important than the production. Record labels want to hear how the song sounds without being influenced by the arrangement. They can work on the production and arrangement based on their own choices and expertise. Music is a collaborative process, and professional record labels often have the resources to enhance and refine a song.

If you’re solely aiming to sell your songs, create an acoustic demo that highlights the key elements of your composition. If, however, you’re planning to build a career as a performing artist, ensure your song is fully produced and showcases your unique style and vision.

Step 4: Utilize Online Promotion Platforms

Whether you’re aiming to sell your songs or build a career as an aspiring artist, promoting your music effectively is key. Platforms like ReverbNation are excellent for this purpose. ReverbNation provides a comprehensive suite of tools to help you manage your music, connect with fans, and distribute your songs.

To get started:

Sign up for an account on ReverbNation. Upload your music, lyrics, and any additional content. Create a bio that highlights your background and unique style. Initialize a fan base by engaging with social media and live events. Explore promotional options to get your music heard by a wider audience.

These steps will not only help you reach more listeners but also establish your identity within the music industry.

Conclusion

Submitting your song lyrics and music is an exciting journey. By following these steps, you can ensure that your work is protected, promoted, and heard by the right audience. Remember, the key is to use every available resource to your advantage, from copyrighting your music to leveraging online platforms for promotion. With dedication and a strategic approach, you can make your dreams of becoming a successful musician a reality.