5 Tips For Song Pitching

Getting Up On the Mound

Song pitching seems like a pretty straightforward task – but there is more to it than you think. I have had so many writers pitch me what they think is their “best songs” and get upset when they don’t get a reply or a cut. I hate to break it to you, but an artist or publisher doesn’t care what you think your best songs are. Especially if you’re pitching to a mainstream artist. They are looking for something that is ultimately going to sell.

Now that doesn’t mean you need to write and pitch cliche music. But we all know that the commercial scene has a box. You can be a bit outside the box with your song pitching and that’s okay! It’s how music evolves. But sending a pitch that misses the mark entirely is only going to hurt your reputation as a writer.

When it comes to song pitching, there are a few rules a writer should follow. Following these rules will not only make you look more professional, but they will increase your chances of getting a cut too!

Research The Artist You Are Pitching To

The first rule of song pitching that should go without saying. If you don’t know what the artist sounds like, how can you possibly pitch them a song? Now I don’t mean you need to send them carbon copies of tracks they have already released, but it’s important that the song can compete in the market the artist is in. Get a feel for their style, their sound, and of course – their genre! WHAT? Yes. Please don’t pitch a rock artist a classic country song. It will immediately blacklist you as a writer and drastically hurt your chances down the road.

If Your Song Isn’t Great – Don’t Pitch It

This is where feedback can be very important. Send the track to your artist or writer friends and ask for their opinion. There are tons of professional song reviewing services available to take care of this as well. If your interested in a professional song review, you can grab one HERE

Have a Professional Demo

This is something that will really separate you from the pack and will give you a leg up over other writers. A great sounding demo automatically makes your song more appealing to a potential recording artist. Likewise, a poor sounding demo will make the song much less appealing – even if it’s a great song! Amateur recordings just won’t stand out in the commercial song pitching world.

Don’t Overdo It

If the artist is asking for one song, don’t send them 5 songs. Once again – following what the artist or publisher is looking for will increase your chances of getting heard. If you keep spamming them with more songs they are likely to start ignoring you.

Let It Go

This flows off of the last point and is very important when song pitching. Once you pitch it, let it go. Artists and publishers can receive hundreds of songs a day. It can take some time for them to sort through the pile. If they like what they hear they will get back to you. Following up once a day is likely going to annoy them, and if/when they finally do come to your song the chances of you getting it listened to will be slim.

The Business of Song Pitching

When it comes to pitching your songs, these points can seem a bit harsh at first. But at the end of the day being a songwriter is no different than being a business owner. You have a product you are trying to sell to a customer… And you wouldn’t sell someone shopping for a new laptop a toy radio would you? Following these points will help increase your chances of getting a cut!

I hope this has helped shed some light on how to pitch your songs. 

Good luck!