Music trends are constantly changing and are essentially what pushed the industry in a certain direction. This music trend isn’t something that is necessarily new, but I have seen it grow to new heights in the last couple of months.
One of these music trends that is on the rise is writing with a purpose. Having an end game for your song in mind before you start has been something professional writers have been doing for years. But with the modern era of streaming, social media, online video, and T.V. There are SO many different places that need music and ways you can share your music! Couple this with a massive decline in compensation for musical creators, and you now have the 2k20 songwriting era… Welcome!!
If you have been in the music scene for awhile, you probably have noticed a gigantic shift in music trends and… well, everything in the last 10 years. From home studio setups, the rise of streaming, the fall of album sales, and a complete redesign of how we do business.
If you’re new to the scene, you are probably overwhelmed, and feel like there are a million-and-one things to do all at the same time. Don’t get overwhelmed trying to stay on top of all the music trends! Just take things one step at a time.
The rapid change in the industry has led to the need of finding new ways to do things, and I think there are a few songs, artists, and placements that REALLY stand out lately and show how to get in on this music trend the right way.
So what exactly am I talking about? I’m talking about multi-purpose songwriting. This is having a plan of action at the songwriting stage to maximize revenue opportunities with your music. Writing with your audience in mind – what do they WANT to hear? Writing with a message in mind – what does the world NEED to hear right now? What are the current trends and how can you stay within the boundaries of them, but still push the needle a bit? What type of sync placements can this song potentially get you? Does the production work well without lyrics as an instrumental? These are all things to consider when trying to maximize the output a single song can give you.
The cost of production, releasing, and marketing isn’t something that should be messed around with… so having the most opportunities to make a buck with your song will at least give you a better chance at recouping your investment and hopefully then some!
To paint a picture of how this has been done extremely well recently I’m going to use a few examples.
The first one I want to use is Walker Hayes – Fancy Like
Unless you live under a rock (which actually sounds kind of nice the way things currently are) you have probably heard this song. It was his most successful single to date, hitting #1 on the Billboard US Hot Country Charts, and #5 on The Billboard Hot 100. (credit here)
Now the reason I assume you would have heard this song is not because of it’s charting popularity. It’s because of Applebee’s. The song was practically written to be an Applebee’s commercial. And of course, it was licensed by them to be featured in a commercial. Combine that with a TikTok dance to go along with it and you have a money making machine.
Yes it helps that Walker has been on the rise as a country star, but this song had intent behind it, and I’d say it worked beautifully!
A perfect example of how writing with intent can really pay off!
The next example I want to use is on a whole ‘nother level! This guy knows how to stay on top of music trends – it’s Ludacris and his love for peanut butter.
Okay, so maybe the average indie artist doesn’t have the power of a 2 decade hip hop career to just call up Jif and team up on something, but this is another great example of creating with a purpose.
I am personally a HUGE fan of Ludacris. From his super successful career as a rapper, to his roll in Fast & Furious, to his incredibly creative business mind… He is just insanely talented.
Butter.ATL was written with the intention of teaming up with Jif on a perfectly Ludacris campaign. Just another example of how creating with a plan in mind can help you go way further, way faster!
A great example of how to bring something you love into your brand and throw your own twist on it
Like the big stars target the big brands, artists in any stage of their careers can target brands in a similar stage as them!
The online world has exploded with new brands offering a wide range of products and services. Spending a small amount of time on Google or Instagram looking for brands that align with something you love is a great place to start! Ludacris loves peanut butter – it’s literally on his rider. Targeting Jif made perfect sense for him. To get in on this music trend there are so many options. From golf accessories, to new clothing brands – there is something for everyone!
Once you find something that aligns with you simply reach out to them and start a conversation. If you are both at similar stages in your growth, odds are they will love the idea of teaming up. If you want some help and direction with how to do this, get in touch with us! We have all sorts of different artist development options to help you and your career.
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! – Wayne Gretzky
One Response
great blog as always and sound advice.I will take this all onboard for my next songwriting venture.Thank you