I ran across a few articles the other day about the commercialization of artist creations. Specifically, using songs to sell products.

When we at Sydney Skyler Music decided there was a need for new songwriters to be heard, we knew it was going to be an amazing task. Listening to unsolicited material can be a huge undertaking.

Of all the books on songwriting I have read over the years, one stands out as my bible. I go back to this book anytime I begin to feel the nagging feeling of a slump coming on. Tunesmith, by Jimmy Webb is a must read for any writer new to the craft. It is a great reference for any writer period.

Many songwriters start out with visions of grandeur. Masses of people listening to songs from the heart…mix the reasons you started writing (entertaining others, expressing your own creativity and feelings) with the elements that reach the bottom line, selling records.

I have been spending the last several days evaluating songs. Due to a nice response from an open submission ad, I had my hands full.