Write A Song That Sells

Write a song that is targeted. A songwriter uses their creativity to reach listeners. Learn to focus your songs whether you are a singer or a writer.

Learn how to think of who you are speaking to when you write a song. Doesn't matter if you are writing music for lyrics or starting with lyrics.

I attended a presentation by Ralph Murphy, vice President at ASCAP recently. Ralph is well known in the music business as a hit writer and producer of April Wine.

One of the things Ralph is known for these days is the work he does studying the country hits each year and finding out what they have in common. Its very interesting what he comes up with. Here is a summary of what he said makes a hit.

• they use mid to up-tempo
• all have romantic/humorous or sad/heartfelt theme
• are written in 4/4 time
• all are contemporary pop/country style
• they use a story or conversation
• all told in 1st person or 2nd person
• they use Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Instrument-Chorus
• there is a linear melody with a story to a soaring chorus
• they have a short 13 second intro

His message is, if you want to write a hit country song, pay attention to what seems to be successful. Again not every song needs to have all these things.

However the more you song contains the more hit "friendly" it is. Ralph also has very interesting things to say about focusing on women when you write.

Even if you don't write country songs there is a message in this. Every chart has its own common themes about which songs rise to be #1 hits.

The point is take Ralph's points and use them to study the chart you want to be on. Then before you write your song make decisions about these points. You can also write with women in mind and write so you invite listeners into your song.