On one hand I can understand a parent's concern over the uncertainty in their children ever making it as a songwriter or recording artist in this difficult, ever-changing music industry. Most parents want the best for their kids. On the other hand, to crush a person's dreams based on their own selfish expectations is nothing short of being a crime.
Those same parents who don't want their kids to be a songwriter or recording artist are the ones who crank up old Eagles and Led Zeppelin tunes
As far as I'm concerned, the songwriter is the backbone of the music industry. Without the song, there's absolutely nothing. I'm always disappointed and I must admit, a little resentful, every time a young songwriter tells me their parents, family members, or friends are totally non-supportive of their dreams and aspirations of becoming either a recording artist and/or a songwriter. Please Bookmark This Site
on their state-of-the-art Bose systems reminiscing how the seventies' era was the era of "the songwriter".
Think about it. Is this being two-faced or what? You want to hear good music, just leave your kids out of the equation because you want them to be doctors and lawyers. Let somebody else sacrifice their lives to make the music for your enjoyment. Uughhh! You need to quickly reconsider your beliefs, and thank a songwriter.
An aspiring songwriter commonly faces the same negative attitudes from their significant others. This is the kiss of death for a songwriter. If your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend doesn't fully support you in becoming a successful songwriter, you're doomed from the start.
To all significant others: Be glad your sweetheart has the guts to chase their dreams of becoming a songwriter, for without people like your sweetheart, you wouldn't be enjoying music. You desperately need to thank a songwriter!
The number #1 complaint I hear from songwriter spouses is that they need someone contributing to their household income with a job that can help pay the bills. In my opinion, they're absolutely right!
A songwriter in the trenches needs to show responsibility by maintaining a job until he or she can substantiate being a songwriter full-time. I know this can be done because I did it before I signed to a staff songwriter deal with Warner/Chappell. I worked a morning security job that helped pay the bills, where I could write songs in my head at work, then translate them onto my guitar when I would get home. As a songwriter, you need to provide for your family while you're chasing your dream.
For those of you who have shown undying support for a songwriter, bless you! Your words of encouragement have meant the world to that songwriter who knows all too well what he or she has put his family through to "chase that dream". There's simply not enough time to do everything we want in this life and a songwriter trying to "make it" while holding down a day job has no doubt sacrificed much family time. You have already thanked a songwriter more than you'll ever know.
Songwriters themselves need to thank a songwriter for serving as their inspiration, influence, and education in this field.
Finally, for all of those people out there who don't believe a songwriter can ever achieve success for whatever reason, you need to understand the following: Every successful venture starts with an idea and a dream.
The history of music is filled with positive stories of total loyalty to songwriters, but also of negative ones where love went sour due to what I call "music career intolerance" by a songwriter's significant other. Too many people have ended up kicking themselves in the head and regretting their actions when the songwriter achieved tremendous success. Ahh, this career path is not for the weak hearted, but if only you could have hung in there and been more loyal and patient.
That same person you doubt will ever make it is the same type of person who's made it in this business again and again to provide you with entertainment that, frankly, you can't live without. And for that, today, you need to thank a songwriter!
Without the songwriter, you wouldn't be enjoying music. Understand that to become successful, a songwriter, just like any other musician, must make certain sacrifices and dedicate 100% effort to their craft.
