I just want to say that I really appreciate your presentation. Many people feel that helping others somehow costs them something. I watched/listened twice; and I'm going to use everything you gave us here. Many thanks.
Hi DJ. I had watched your video before, but this time took notes. I sent one of my songs to a few people in the Country music industry who are most definitely connected. Both of them gave me a similar response: I can't help you. One guy stated that part of the reason pertains to legality, which that makes no sense whatsoever. The word "can't" is more like "won't." They could help ... if I was their brother, uncle, etc. Anyway, back to research. And I re-listened to your video. Definitely helped me in how I will be taking upcoming steps. Thank you!
Hey DJ Swivel - we met at a networking event a while back thru Full Sail. I’ve got some other tips I’ve built that help refine this process I’d love to share with you. It’s gotten me 1 upcoming cut & a bunch of cowrites. Would love to get coffee with you 2021 and discuss some more refined strategy with you if you’re down!
Is it a better tactic for songwriters/producers who sing their own demos to make the tracks their pitching minimal so it creates interest to many diverse artists?
I wouldn’t think that deeply about it. Make the song you want to make if you have e it in mind for someone specific. Not all artists can interpret your vision so if you have a specific idea, see it to the finish line. If you know the artist is hands on with their production and is going to do their thing anyways, sometimes a guitar and vocal is all you need. It really depends on who you’re pitching to
Hey DJ Swivel. This was good advice and I'll definitely use it when I'm ready to pitch my next song... but I have a quick question. I consider myself a "non performing songwriter" who isn't an artist or producer type. Should I pitch songs towards producers that can help "enhance" the song first? Thanks!
@@lockemdownrecordsYes.. I have released in the industry. As a producer i can tell you, every artist or label / manager wants to listen to something already finished.
@@skillsempiregamingI agree. I'm on my fifth commercial releases and charted a week on one of the small billboard charts may 2023 but I've not really done anything to present to other artists but I'm headed into that direction. I hate the production end of it to be honest. 😂
Hey ! Thank you for sharing this with us! BTW I bought the Spread Vst ! I have been using it in some projects! It actually helped me in delivering depth in the mix and my mixes are sounding complete!
Thank you for a great video! Is it better to contact the manager, or directly to the producer/co-songwriter which have worked with the artist for many years, if I have contact info to both ?
Hey Jordan thanks alot for the content! Would you please think about making a just the tips episode that covers how to stay alive as an engineer who is just starting his/her career? Topics like “financial wellness, relationship tips, and how to avoid toxic work environments red flags etc” this would personally help me alot and I think alot of others too. Thanks Jordan! - Jordan
I thought this was very good advice. One thing I would argue is not reaching back out. There is a difference between bugging people and just stoking the fire again. Specifically in your example with Andersons manager. You already had a lead with him. He liked your beat enough to share with an artist. You haven’t heard back since. Personally I would give it a little time a few weeks. Month and then just say hey. Curious if your artist like the beat. And leave it at that. A lot of times people get busy. Things get side tracked and just forgotten about. Especially people who are likely very busy like that manager. In my experience (just in life as I just started making music) these people will actually appreciate you reminding them about it. Again. Don’t bug people but I think you’ll miss a lot of opportunities If you don’t put a little effort into it.
What was your subject line? And now that IG has hidden requests, most managers won’t see the messages. I’ve found emailing hasn’t been successful because a lot of the managers of big artists won’t accept/listen to unsolicited submissions because of the legalities involved.
Hey Archie, thanks for your question! One of the best ways to get on top of people's mind is to engage them naturally in the comments, not by pitching per se, but just by slowly building a friendly relationship online, engaging in ways that are true and authentic to both of you as people!
Thanks so much for your reply and your helpful content. It’s a tough one because most artist’s IG isn’t run by them, and their managers don’t seem to be open to engagement with people they don’t know, like Scooter Braun for example. I have a catalogue of really special tracks, that I wrote with the intention of big name artists but, as an unknown writer, it’s proving very challenging to even get a listen, even for some feedback.
Sometimes the best thing to do is work with people at your level, and attract attention! As they say, "be so good they have to pay attention!" Hope that helps!
When you do finally get interest and your song does make the cut, What happens next in terms of credits and royalties? I’m curious to this as someone new to music business and business in general Thanks
@@O_M23 depending on if you’re a producer or songwriter, it’s a bit different. As a songwriter, you’ll agree to your splits (percentage of songwriting/publishing). Typically the artists team will reach out and propose splits, or you’ll work on that with the cowriters if you have any. Once that’s agreed you’d register your song with your rights society (ASCAP/BMI/Sesac in USA - but each country has their own), or if you have a publisher they’ll do that for you. If you’re a producer you sort out your publishing splits as described above, but you also need to work out a producer agreement. How much are you being paid, what’s the recoupment terms look like, how are you credited etc. Once those main terms are agreed in a contract, you sign and get paid. Good to have a lawyer do this for you.
I have a question do you have to pay the artist to sing your music even if its royaltyfree music but it's your own lyrics? If so how would I go about paying the artist to sing my songs?
That’s not a typical process in music. We write songs, on music we own, and then pitch and “sell” that music. We often retain publishing and master royalty rights, but the artist/record label would own the master recording. What you’re talking about is getting artists to feature on your songs, which can be a paid thing. But generally they have to want to participate in the song, so regardless, it still requires pitching the song.
Ok makes since thank you because I use suno AI and that's gree royalty music but I realize I still have to have it copyrighted you can look for yourself it's on google just look up suno AI it would also help you in writing your songs I use it all the time and I make my generated songs from there
Hey man, loved this video! Do you think sending a DM on Instagram is a good idea if the manager has a huge following (100K+) or is it better to go through the contact page on their website?
What you do with that "frozen" beat ? Do you leave it or try to sell to somone else. What if you sell your beat to other artist and that manager after 3-4 months will contact you and want to finalize production based on that beat ? Thank you for sharing your secrets and know how ! I appreciate a lot !
If an artist asks to hold a beat, I would simply say ok. But if another artist asks for it and is ready to move on it (pay you), then you go back to the first artist who asked you to hold it and tell them you have to work out the business now, otherwise there's another opportunity. Anything that you have on hold, make sure if you play it for someone else you let them know, "hey, another artist has this beat on hold, but if they really want it you'll try to get them to come off it". End of the day, it's not fair for an artist to keep you on hold, so you need to worry about yourself. As long as you communicate exactly what you're doing honestly, nobody can get too upset.
Very informative...thank you for making this video...Question...When you do pitch a song and you dont hear from them, when do you say ok, time to move on to the next artist or so and so and pitch the same song? Cause from my understanding its not advisable to pitch that same song to numerous parties..Thanks.
This totally depends on who you're pitching to. If you're pitching for a pop singer who either doesn't write or is open to taking completed songs, then you want to have a demo vocal recorded. You need to make it as easy as possible for the artist to say YES! I've had people send me beats with written out lyrics, and this is pointless. There's no way I'm going to understand the rhythm and cadence and melody unless there's a guide vocal. Now if you're pitching to rappers, maybe you put a chorus on it if it's really catchy, but for the most part, rappers are cool with just beats.
They won't check your website. But you can always leave it in your signature incase they're curious. In most cases, just focus on the song you're trying to pitch. The less time you occupy of theirs the better. And that means simple, to the point emails they can quickly read in less than 10 seconds.
TheBlashMusic yeah, but if a «big » artist steals it with a team of lawyers, it’s gonna be hard to stand. That’s pretty much how Dr.Luke stole that much music
If you can show that you made the song first, you always have a case, and regardless of how many lawyers an artist has, if you can prove they were sent music, and released something similar, and you can show you created it first, you will very likely be asked to settle.
"Google Drive is a nightmare" AGREED! You're AMAZING!
I just want to say that I really appreciate your presentation. Many people feel that helping others somehow costs them something. I watched/listened twice; and I'm going to use everything you gave us here. Many thanks.
Glad it's helpful!
First time I’ve studied this question and I love how straightforward you made the lesson!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi DJ. I had watched your video before, but this time took notes. I sent one of my songs to a few people in the Country music industry who are most definitely connected. Both of them gave me a similar response: I can't help you. One guy stated that part of the reason pertains to legality, which that makes no sense whatsoever. The word "can't" is more like "won't." They could help ... if I was their brother, uncle, etc. Anyway, back to research. And I re-listened to your video. Definitely helped me in how I will be taking upcoming steps. Thank you!
DJ Swivel you have to be one of the most sincere creatives I've ever come across. Peace.
Thank you!
Legit one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen in a while
Thanks Hugo! Any luck?
Thanks DJ Swivel, love the info and breakdown 🥰 Will keep producing and pitching 😁🔥🙌
KEEP IT UP YOU GOT THIS!
Thanks for the tips! I will use your approach...see what happens... will let you know...Best!
Good luck man...remember to always approach people with respect and from a place of familiarity!
This is awesome! Many people won’t share information like this so it’s greatly appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
H,l
First 5 mins this man gave juice, thank you!
You're welcome...did you try it out?
Great video! Thank you for info.
really great video bro. very appreciative. thanks alot for the professional insight.
Thanks Danzel! Glad you liked....did it work for you?
This was amazing advice. Thanks for this
Glad it was helpful Donald, how did things go?
Hey DJ Swivel - we met at a networking event a while back thru Full Sail. I’ve got some other tips I’ve built that help refine this process I’d love to share with you. It’s gotten me 1 upcoming cut & a bunch of cowrites. Would love to get coffee with you 2021 and discuss some more refined strategy with you if you’re down!
Tight, thanks for doing this swivel! You da man bro! 🔥🔥
Is it a better tactic for songwriters/producers who sing their own demos to make the tracks their pitching minimal so it creates interest to many diverse artists?
I wouldn’t think that deeply about it. Make the song you want to make if you have e it in mind for someone specific. Not all artists can interpret your vision so if you have a specific idea, see it to the finish line. If you know the artist is hands on with their production and is going to do their thing anyways, sometimes a guitar and vocal is all you need. It really depends on who you’re pitching to
Thanks for the information, very informative. I know you spoke about SoundCloud but what about sending a private youtube link for your music?
Thank you DJ Swivel really appreciated those tips for producer respect my brother.👍💯
Any time Evens Beatz...happy you are learning something! Did it work well for ya?
Thank you for this video, it is very helpful! ❤
Legendd!! Thanks brothaa🙌🏻🙏🏻
This is very informative, thanks mate
Very insightful tips man, thanks a lot for sharing this !
Hey DJ Swivel. This was good advice and I'll definitely use it when I'm ready to pitch my next song... but I have a quick question. I consider myself a "non performing songwriter" who isn't an artist or producer type. Should I pitch songs towards producers that can help "enhance" the song first? Thanks!
Similar situation here as well.
@@lockemdownrecordsYes.. I have released in the industry. As a producer i can tell you, every artist or label / manager wants to listen to something already finished.
@@skillsempiregamingI agree. I'm on my fifth commercial releases and charted a week on one of the small billboard charts may 2023 but I've not really done anything to present to other artists but I'm headed into that direction. I hate the production end of it to be honest. 😂
Informative video, thanks man!
You're welcome Tavish...any luck?
What would you say to a lyricist who wants to pitch lyrics and a melody to a producer
Been making better music recently and was in desperate need of tips like these. Thank you so much man!
Happy to help!
Hey ! Thank you for sharing this with us! BTW I bought the Spread Vst ! I have been using it in some projects! It actually helped me in delivering depth in the mix and my mixes are sounding complete!
Love hearing it!
Very informative’ thank you! 🙂
Awesome video!
Hey critza, thanks so much!!! There's tons more and lots of free stuff on our website...have a great day!!!
Thank you for a great video!
Is it better to contact the manager, or directly to the producer/co-songwriter which have worked with the artist for many years, if I have contact info to both ?
Thanks. Good information.
Thx DJ, this was very helpful. Question - would you include musicians who often play with the artist in with the gate keepers ?
@@jimvautour595 sure! There’s lots of people who circle the artists. The key is who are those people who the artist trusts with music.
Thank you so much for this amazing content
No problem!
Hey Jordan thanks alot for the content!
Would you please think about making a just the tips episode that covers how to stay alive as an engineer who is just starting his/her career?
Topics like “financial wellness, relationship tips, and how to avoid toxic work environments red flags etc” this would personally help me alot and I think alot of others too. Thanks Jordan! - Jordan
I think this is a great idea
I look forward to hearing you talk a bit about it. Thanks for the response, take care. - Jordan
I thought this was very good advice. One thing I would argue is not reaching back out. There is a difference between bugging people and just stoking the fire again. Specifically in your example with Andersons manager. You already had a lead with him. He liked your beat enough to share with an artist. You haven’t heard back since. Personally I would give it a little time a few weeks. Month and then just say hey. Curious if your artist like the beat. And leave it at that. A lot of times people get busy. Things get side tracked and just forgotten about. Especially people who are likely very busy like that manager. In my experience (just in life as I just started making music) these people will actually appreciate you reminding them about it. Again. Don’t bug people but I think you’ll miss a lot of opportunities If you don’t put a little effort into it.
What was your subject line? And now that IG has hidden requests, most managers won’t see the messages. I’ve found emailing hasn’t been successful because a lot of the managers of big artists won’t accept/listen to unsolicited submissions because of the legalities involved.
Hey Archie, thanks for your question! One of the best ways to get on top of people's mind is to engage them naturally in the comments, not by pitching per se, but just by slowly building a friendly relationship online, engaging in ways that are true and authentic to both of you as people!
Thanks so much for your reply and your helpful content. It’s a tough one because most artist’s IG isn’t run by them, and their managers don’t seem to be open to engagement with people they don’t know, like Scooter Braun for example. I have a catalogue of really special tracks, that I wrote with the intention of big name artists but, as an unknown writer, it’s proving very challenging to even get a listen, even for some feedback.
Sometimes the best thing to do is work with people at your level, and attract attention! As they say, "be so good they have to pay attention!" Hope that helps!
Thank You so much Brother
You're welcome! Glad these videos help!
Ufffff estos si son los reales tips!!! Gracias!!
9:50 is solid information. respect peoples time, be professional and self aware yo :-0)!
What about pricing?
Is it necessary to master the tracks if it'll most likely be listened to for 10-15 seconds?
Always put your best foot forward!!! People are used to hearing mastered tracks so give it the best shot you can!
When you do finally get interest and your song does make the cut, What happens next in terms of credits and royalties? I’m curious to this as someone new to music business and business in general
Thanks
@@O_M23 depending on if you’re a producer or songwriter, it’s a bit different. As a songwriter, you’ll agree to your splits (percentage of songwriting/publishing). Typically the artists team will reach out and propose splits, or you’ll work on that with the cowriters if you have any. Once that’s agreed you’d register your song with your rights society (ASCAP/BMI/Sesac in USA - but each country has their own), or if you have a publisher they’ll do that for you.
If you’re a producer you sort out your publishing splits as described above, but you also need to work out a producer agreement. How much are you being paid, what’s the recoupment terms look like, how are you credited etc. Once those main terms are agreed in a contract, you sign and get paid. Good to have a lawyer do this for you.
@@djswivel thanks man appreciate the info
@ ah that’s great, thanks man!
Muchas gracias. Helpful.
Manager
Engineer
Producer
Songwriter
Parents
Songcredits…gatekeepers
Vocal coach
7:35
Dropbox SoundCloud
ahahah, PARENTS, that's hilarious Stardom Mansion! LOVE IT!
Where do you see credits?
Thank you 🙏
I have a question do you have to pay the artist to sing your music even if its royaltyfree music but it's your own lyrics? If so how would I go about paying the artist to sing my songs?
That’s not a typical process in music. We write songs, on music we own, and then pitch and “sell” that music. We often retain publishing and master royalty rights, but the artist/record label would own the master recording.
What you’re talking about is getting artists to feature on your songs, which can be a paid thing. But generally they have to want to participate in the song, so regardless, it still requires pitching the song.
Ok makes since thank you because I use suno AI and that's gree royalty music but I realize I still have to have it copyrighted you can look for yourself it's on google just look up suno AI it would also help you in writing your songs I use it all the time and I make my generated songs from there
love u man😑
Thanks
Thanks for sharing! Any advice on reaching out or being discovered by K-pop artists and management?
It’s no different. Keep it short, sweet, and do your research.
Hey man, loved this video! Do you think sending a DM on Instagram is a good idea if the manager has a huge following (100K+) or is it better to go through the contact page on their website?
Try both. Pick one, give it a week for a response. If it doesn't work, try the other option. Just be respectful, clear, and short.
@@djswivel Thank you so much!
What you do with that "frozen" beat ?
Do you leave it or try to sell to somone else.
What if you sell your beat to other artist and that manager after 3-4 months will contact you and want to finalize production based on that beat ?
Thank you for sharing your secrets and know how ! I appreciate a lot !
If an artist asks to hold a beat, I would simply say ok. But if another artist asks for it and is ready to move on it (pay you), then you go back to the first artist who asked you to hold it and tell them you have to work out the business now, otherwise there's another opportunity. Anything that you have on hold, make sure if you play it for someone else you let them know, "hey, another artist has this beat on hold, but if they really want it you'll try to get them to come off it". End of the day, it's not fair for an artist to keep you on hold, so you need to worry about yourself. As long as you communicate exactly what you're doing honestly, nobody can get too upset.
@@djswivel I didn't think that way...It is so simple ;) Thank you for the advice ! All best
Very informative...thank you for making this video...Question...When you do pitch a song and you dont hear from them, when do you say ok, time to move on to the next artist or so and so and pitch the same song? Cause from my understanding its not advisable to pitch that same song to numerous parties..Thanks.
I pitch to everyone. It ain't your song til you cut the check!
You the Best Mentor!!!! :)
Wow, thanks!
Thank you so much! I have one more question: when you send a song, is it must to already have guide vocal singing on it? or only instrumental is ok?
This totally depends on who you're pitching to. If you're pitching for a pop singer who either doesn't write or is open to taking completed songs, then you want to have a demo vocal recorded. You need to make it as easy as possible for the artist to say YES! I've had people send me beats with written out lyrics, and this is pointless. There's no way I'm going to understand the rhythm and cadence and melody unless there's a guide vocal. Now if you're pitching to rappers, maybe you put a chorus on it if it's really catchy, but for the most part, rappers are cool with just beats.
@@djswivel Oh... Really thank you so much!
nice tips, do you put a link to your bio or website somewhere also? or just the link with the song
They won't check your website. But you can always leave it in your signature incase they're curious. In most cases, just focus on the song you're trying to pitch. The less time you occupy of theirs the better. And that means simple, to the point emails they can quickly read in less than 10 seconds.
@@djswivel thank you Mister
yo, wanna collab?
LOL. You forgot the "bro" :) :) :)
@@djswivel yo BRO, wanna collab? got a song called "Dance on my Dick"😄
hahahahah!
@@djswivel you don't believe me?😉
Thanks a lot! Quick question: should we copyright the music to be sure that they don’t steal it?
No need. All you need is proof that you created it first.
TheBlashMusic yeah, but if a «big » artist steals it with a team of lawyers, it’s gonna be hard to stand. That’s pretty much how Dr.Luke stole that much music
@@jeanpillet-conery2479 Well, copyrighting your music won't help in that case either.....
If you can show that you made the song first, you always have a case, and regardless of how many lawyers an artist has, if you can prove they were sent music, and released something similar, and you can show you created it first, you will very likely be asked to settle.
@@jeanpillet-conery2479 did he steal?
Good gem about google drive
HATE Google drive lol
@@djswivel this might be a universal thing too. “It looks like the owner hasn’t given you access to view” *flips table*
HELL YES SWIVEL!
🤟
Rock and roll babay!
🙏❤️
#Cheatcodes
منور
😘😘😘😘😘😘😘
Lol Google Drive is the WORST!