How to sell your songs to recording artists

If you dream of hearing your songs on the radio, here is some basic information about how songs get cut. Get more info on the craft and business of songwriting at www.barbaracloyd.com.

[@BlackfootAyeshi2024]

She kept it real. She let you know what the playing field is...

[@cksongwriter8216]

Thanks, Barbara, for the info! I've been writing songs since I was a kid and I agree, if I never make a dime, I still have to write. if it's in you, it's in you, and needs to come out.

[@jeannewambo6959]

I have the same issue...It always come back...Whenever I run away...It's getting even harder to get rid of that feeling the more I age...

[@cksongwriter8216]

@@jeannewambo6959 Yep! It's all about the music.. It's all about the song. :)

[@thecommonsensecapricorn]

Yes 🙌🏼

[@tonysteel1377]

I've been writing songs for years, yet I've only had them copy-written! The music industry is a tough sell. I've found that being directly connected with folks in the industry is the only chance that most will even have at getting their music introduced. It's basically who you know. There is clearly an unfair advantage, as insiders have total control over who they choose to introduce. It's a good thing that I just write and produce as a top hobby. 🎶

[@barbaracloyd]

I agree with you that the music business is tough, but I have a hard time seeing it as unfair. Hardly anyone who is successful today started out with good connections. They moved here and worked extremely hard for many years, both on learning the craft and building relationships. Why should someone who hasn't done that have the same advantages they do?

[@tonysteel1377]

Barbara Cloyd: Some aren't in a position to give-it-all-up, uproot and adhere to such a gamble. Anything that's worth having is worth a little struggle, but many start-out at a disadvantage. If I were ever to consider, I'd choose to sell a cut outright. The politics of the business is slithering with desert rattles and vicious vipers. Countless have been royally drilled.

[@johngaunt6521]

Hi Tony, check out on KZbin, the Two Cup method. Nothing to do as such with music, but you may find astonishing results!

[@jaythe90skyd49]

Yeah, it's definitely just a hobby for me as well. Getting your song to big time music labels is definitely up there with trying to win the lottery though I think there are better odds of winning the lottery than hearing your song on the radio performed by a major artist.

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

@@tonysteel1377 People live on the street to pursue this dream. I have this dream and I feel like a moron moving out of home so young when I could have just stayed there as long as possible and perfected my craft. Now juggling it with work and life is real hard, but it's the choices I made that put me here. I still have the choice to quit everything and devote all my time to practice, but until I do that, I can't be too bitter about things. You'll see that there are people who just work ridiculously hard to get what they want, and it's not at all unfair to those who for whatever reason, did not put in the time.

[@ldr514]

So knowledgeable and straightforward, this is wonderful Barbara.

[@SanVB]

This was so good. She mentions that 'maybe what she's saying is not what you want to hear', this is so important. Like I feel there's a thick line between people that look for that magical formula and people that are willing to see how the learn actually works, accept it and find a way to be successful, no matter how hard. Thank you for this video.

[@JaneHenderson]

Hi Barbara I have followed my dream and have had an offer made by diamond garden music for one of my songs to be published. I wrote my song highway of memories 8 years ago and have spent those 8 tears sending this song to countless publishers and finally received an email from Eric Last week. Needless to say I am over joyed that my song has finally been excepted by a top Nashville publisher. So every one should follow there dream and keep up the long slog as it can pay off. I have actually been writing for 25 years starting with poetry, then someone suggested that I should try having music set to them. Now the rest will be history I believe.

[@josephgarcia6453]

Let us know when it is out so we can listen!

[@shelamatela1079]

How do find publishers?

[@videografx]

11 months have passed, how did the deal go

[@daveknight1775]

I think Barbara offers some sound advice here and I'm particularly grateful for this information. Having read some of the negative comments, I checked out 'I Guess You Had To Be There' and it's a great track with a very well written lyric. No surprise it got recorded. Thank you Barbara!

[@auntiel.6238]

Hello Ms. Cloyd, Thank you so very much for the candid style of communication. I am so much smarter since viewing your channel. I will implement a lot of what you said even if I'm the only one that will ever hear of appreciate it.

[@samjuner]

Great advice and ended on a really positive note. Songs are so valuable whether they get heard or not. Thanks Barbara.

[@roderickvaughn3074]

Thanks for your advice and help on song writing, I'm 52 years old and have a few songs I wrote many years ago back in the 90s, one of those songs was written about 9/11 it was my very first country song, but now I feel it's sometimes impossible to get it out there, because I don't have a singing voice, no do I play any type of instruments, but I still have a passion for music and song writing.

[@kimkim9934]

Barbara thank you for this direct and precise information. I'm so glad I watched your video, it makes complete sense, great advice, loved listening to you speak.. I am going to your website. Would love to hear more from you.

[@JerryHeadd]

Thank you, Barbara! I played at a Monday Open Mic at the Bluebird last summer, and it was a great experience. You were just as helpful then, as you are in this video. Again, Thank you for the information.

[@jimmybritnell3775]

Thanks for sharing this! It’s refreshing to see something on songwriting that just feels honest and real and isn’t just tying to get people to subscribe. Appreciate it!

[@barbaracloyd]

Thanks, James. That was my intention.

[@jasperburchfield2028]

This was helpful information. I have hundreds of song ideas I've accumulated over the years and I would love to see some of them turned into real songs by recording artists.

[@FlyOnTheMoon.]

One of the first straight-talking and knowledgeable people I've ever heard address this subject. Thank you, Barbara.

[@barbaracloyd]

Thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@jessicaloftis4192]

Thank you for this video and THANK YOU FOR BEING STRIGHT FORWARD TO MANY PEOPLE DONT DO THAT MY HUSBAND AND I ARE songwritters we do not want to be singers we have wrote somewhere around 5000 songs now one of them is actually already on KZbin under cayden cole and we would love just to write and compose and not have to deal with the road life do much but again thank you for youre wizdom and time

[@toddmay6054]

It's very frustrating to know you have r what I call radio ready songs and can't get them released

[@DebEdington]

Thank you Barbara , i appreciate your knowledge , it's important to me .

[@jerryallen564]

thank u for your time in doing this vid....it is informative for folks that do know know this end of it...knowing everybody in Nashville sings, everybody writes.....i know its tough. if u want to make in Nashville u gotta be there and grind it out like everyone else did...

[@MrMillsfrank]

This is pretty solid advice for songwriters. Very well put.

[@DannyShainLatinaCountry]

Great tips. Thank you very much for taking the time to publish this.

[@sonofvision6664]

Thank you. This is the truth about songwriting as a profession. Professionalism fascinates me. I'm at that point where it all makes sense. Too late, I'm retired. But will still write. I love this kind of work. The competition to create is like drugs to me.

[@littlecarol2018]

Appreciate this advice. I realize it's from 6 years ago, but it still seems quite relevant today.

[@adrianhiggins4723]

Nashville is just one slice of the pie so a bit generalized but great advice Barbara. It is definitely a tough business from all those music producing & publishing houses and the media filling plenty of needs. But I still believe there are artists looking for that needle in the haystack due to the fact that some of my favorites usually come from small or self produced labels. This is what inspires me to keep on writing besides the love of writing. One thing I think I've discovered that further complicates things is that most independent artist usually have writing composing ability up until there second or third album then they begin searching for new avenues. This can be a ideal time to sell arrangements if you happen to locate them. So timing is crucial too.

[@barbaracloyd]

That's a great point about pitching to independent artists after their 1st few albums. It it might not be money you can live on, but totally satisfying nonetheless.

[@dhyanmukta]

I woke up with such a song in my head sung by such a powerful female singer. I just had to record it and write more of it down. Wonder if I should now do something with this. It's not the first time this has happened. This woman is so loving and truthful, would be a great person to deal with I'm sure.

[@terrencemurrin1280]

Glad I took the time to listen to you. You are very easy to listen to and obviously have good experience and wisdom to share. I have a lot of songs from years of writing that are just collecting dust. Sad really! Wish I had devoted more time to sharing my music instead of driving truck just to pay the bills.

[@barbaracloyd]

It's never too late. KZbin and other social media give you a way to go straight to the public without needing the music business.

[@ltownmoose]

Thank you for this... and honestly, this is exactly what I thought. I've gotten close to a start with a few producers but my unknown name doesn't carry enough weight when they are presented other opportunities. I get that, truly. I'm going to start researching the music publishers. I mean... why not, right? Again, thank you. It's as if the club can't even be talked about when questions are asked. Yet, my last few straws was a Google search and now I'm better for it. God bless.

[@eriknichols4509]

I really appreciate your advise on this video. I've been writing since I was 16 waiting for a chance to record my songs. I have recently invested in great recording equipment to be able to take my time at home to construct a few decent songs. I hope to bring something fresh and still relative to an older style of writing. I have definitely noticed the trend of songs sounding similar to each other. Which is something I was curious about. It is great to get a little clarification on how the industry determines what songs are "Cut" for that trend. I hoping that these songs will be ready for the next trend to come. Again, thanks for the advice.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Interesting video. The good news is, there are radio shows that will play your songs. ☺️👍 I think finding someone to sing your songs is the best bet. Both my daughter and her dad have been on radio with their original songs. Lots of amazing artists around. ♥️👍

[@johndoyle7495]

Barbara, what you say rings true. Thank you!

[@angelinadelcarmen]

Oh darlin' thank you for the video! I'm a songwriter but in a rock band and I am often fighting between going full songwriter or staying with a band where we can record and publish ourselves!

[@joshmadsen9739]

Thank you for this video! Actually very helpful and exactly what I expected to learn.

[@programmedwrong3795]

How it is that this lady doesn't have 5 million followers i don't know. Without a doubt the best at simplifying how and what to do. Thank you for your knowledge on this subject.

[@barbaracloyd]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@trinidadinternational]

I love this! I usually write songs to be creative and to share with friends and family. However, I sometimes start dreaming about making it big. This passion of mine will lose its charm if I keep thinking like that. Thanks for the honesty!

[@barbaracloyd]

I'm glad I helped you understand what chasing that dream might look like and that you have decided to stick with what gives you joy.

[@RosannaEastmanOFFICIAL]

Kool vid, great info. I relate to your passion, songwriting is my life, obsessed with it

[@RosannaEastmanOFFICIAL]

I'd love to have a chat with you, do you have an email address I could send you an email on?

[@LisaSunnyDays]

Thank you for this info! I loved your conclusion!

[@toddblaze44]

Barbara, Thank you your video was exactly what I needed. I’m that guy who’s friend say I should be famous . I just want to write my songs and sing them.

[@michaelmattice4986]

Thanks so much for sharing Barbara! Continued success:)

[@petediaz1492]

Thanks for your honest wonderful information. I'm going to stick with approaching the local bands. I don't want to make a living writing songs I would just love to hear anyone singing my tunes.

[@JasonFerguson1283]

Such a great video! Thank you Barbara!

[@johnpothews4285]

The best songs that I've ever read or heard came from people I knew that had the gift coupled with their life experience which usually meant that they were down and out and and have went through sheer hell

[@alfielewis1069]

Thanks Barbara on that basis I will check out your website. Nothing like a reality check.

[@normancrew2739]

Really good advice well constructed and delivered. Just the right tone. Not too discouraging, but no false promises either.

[@barbaracloyd]

Thanks, Norman. That's what I was aiming for.

[@irishauldfella]

Hey Barbara. What an excellent video. No bs. No sugar coating but not harsh. Just honest truthful advise.

[@barbaracloyd]

Thanks, Honest Johno. That's what I aim for.

[@michaelclyburn5858]

Okay writers and musicians here is the deal: If you can write lyrics and music, but cannot sing a note, find someone local to sing your songs. Then, I don't care if you hit record on your iPhone or Samsung or whatever, get something recorded. Then, listen to it carefully for a few times, but don't wear your ears out they get tired like any other part of the body that you wear out. Listen to it again the next day then again and again. Let other trusted, honest opinion people who like music hear it. Take notes and write down comments. Then it's TRUTH time; is the song any good? Be honest with yourself. What reactions did you receive and how do you feel about this piece? Remember, choose ONE of your best creations for this. Do not proceed to RUN until you walk first. Most importantly, trust the Lord and believe in your talent. Hard work and diligence always pays off. Just remember to record your work, even if something pops in your head---break out the phone and record! Everyone can hum just so you do not forget... As far as moving to the STARS and being well known? It will come. IF YOU ARE GOOD AND POLISHED. Question is, do you love this work enough to even write for local musicians or your church if you don't reach the STARS? If the answer is yes, you are doing very well. Keep writing, and don't give up.

[@ryanbuckner2405]

I wrote a song called “why” after my wife and I had a stillborn baby and I remember that I worked on it and just sang it over and over again in the house for weeks after it happened. It helped me heal, but at the same time it tortured my wife having to hear it over and over again. She couldn’t understand why I would want to write such a sad song. That song was never put on an album or even professionally recorded by me, but it needed to be written. I did post it here on KZbin and I’ve received comments and emails from people who related with it and it helped them with a loss that they had, so that was nice. I’m 41 now and I probably have 50 or so songs that I wrote over the years and I just wish that they would have at least been professionally recorded. I’m actually from Sumter SC, the same place as Lee Brice. We graduated from the same school, but he actually went to Nashville and it took him 10 years to make it. I just stayed here in town thinking someone was gonna magically find me. Lol! Guess it doesn’t work that way.

[@barbaracloyd]

There are many important reasons to write songs. The value of music isn't necessarily monetary.

[@SongTownUSA]

Classic advice! We teach a lot of this same info at SongTown

[@jimmyjagessar749]

Thanks Barbara 🙏🎶

[@ShermanBMason]

I’m very grateful for this video

[@gordd6069]

You are honest. Thank you. I wrote a song that meets your criteria. Wish me luck!

[@barbaracloyd]

Good luck! 🙂

[@Jose-pf6jg]

Never 'sell' your songs. License them.

[@tonysteel1377]

Selling your songs is the equivalent to releasing ownership of your masters. If you’d license your work, then you’re able to secure a royalty deal. Hope this helps.

[@DaPasifire]

@@tonysteel1377 is that the same for copywritten

[@tonysteel1377]

@@DaPasifire: It is wise to always have your works protected. This is the only legal method that’ll validate your creations, also referred to as intellectual property. It is not illegal for a team to do a cover of your song, but avoiding the legal rate of federally mandated payment to you is.

[@philipjnz9923]

@@tonysteel1377 I dont know much about the legal side of songwriting, but should I copywright my songs before showing them to artists? Even if I show them just a piece of the song, like the hook etc?

[@mandrakefrommanchester3033]

@@philipjnz9923 Yes, copyright all original works immediately once created.

[@Stela_idk.-.]

Great video ... feel super motivated ❤️

[@dufmc]

I love this video I'm so happy i find this. Can you please make more videos about this subject? You have a lot of knowledge i already subscribed to your channel. Thank you!

[@Gr8terIsHe]

Well, you helped me out. You were very informative. Thanks a bunch!👍🏼👍🏼

[@jasondenney5298]

you seem honest. been so many sites. they are all scammers..

[@elleryprescott]

Wow, that was excellent!

[@midwestdepressed]

Every part of this was excellent advice. Thank you.

[@barbaracloyd]

Glad it was helpful to you.

[@whitewitchqueen]

Been writing song lyrics for years and poetry and I need one break this is good advice

[@Taraandmusic]

love this, thank you!!!!

[@drexlspivey5828]

In just 10 minutes this person perfectly describes what virtually every publisher/songwriter has said in every video I've watched, so much anger in the comments section, if you don't like the truth don't complain about it, find a way to adapt to it

[@barbaracloyd]

True words, Lewis. It is what it is.

[@inelegantsavior853]

I wrote 12 songs. I can't sing, I can't play an instrument. I want a million bucks now, someone buy them.

[@user-gx5hh7dm9o]

Inelegant Savior mood all 2019 🙌🏽

[@andyjhale7191]

maybe

[@DBoy0113]

Recording artist don’t just want song lyrics unfortunately they want the full production in mp3 format they want to remake a finished song with music production and recorded vocals the final product

[@solmeans8690]

I sing & play let's see what we can do,

[@alanstephens7022]

Lol, eloquently put.

[@janedoe5229]

Thank you very much for this straight forward, honest information. :)

[@barbaracloyd]

Glad you like it!

[@StephenOshea]

great video . i'm a singer song writer musician . and i understand it may take time to get my music recorded by famous artist . yet i know it will happen one day . so in the meantime i keep on recording high quality music and writing songs and getting air play . I am getting air play and i'm on spotify under the name stephen. and i'm on you tube . great resources tips many thanks

[@lyricitstudioscompany5821]

Sending them messages on their social media platforms doesn't work. Most ignore and that hurts, believe me, I've been there.

[@JoeBorowsky]

Amazing info thank you!

[@JoelNunezMusic]

Thank you for this video, it really helps

[@deacontheseer4804]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@fredcarroll8880]

I'm doing the copyright thing this weekend I've decided to just start playing mine on KZbin been writing songs 30 years just now got good enough Country meets pink Floyd new completely different beautiful love songs

[@oluwadareonaneye4451]

It's a very competitive terrain because most people have who write songs for them. I quite agree with you madam that, there is no crime approaching and honing one's craft for free, so as to start with relationship

[@rossisboss23]

Hi Barb Thanks for this Ross

[@GeorgeDimopoulos]

Greetings nice upload thanks!!!!

[@solarhead2040]

That was a good video. I wasn't looking for this kind of subject. But it was very insightful and interesting to watch.

[@barbaracloyd]

Thanks, Aldora. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@classickruzer1]

Barbara Cloyd - When I look in your eyes, you're not there any more..... Something is missing ...it's not like it was before... Our hearts have grown colder , as we have grown older and baby I don't know what for.....But I don't want to leave you, don't want to deceive you, no I don't want to walk out that door....So baby, what do we do now... Do you think there's a way.....We could recapture, the love for each other, that we had yesterday......... We used to hold hands and take walks through the park....Hold you close to me, talk until way after dark......We'd plan for tomorrow, beg steal and borrow, whatever it took to get by...Now you seem like a stranger, our love is in danger . and I just don't understand why....... So baby what do we do now ..do you think there's a way... We could recapture, the love for each other, that we had yesterday.. Just the first part.. They do get back together and try it all over in the second part.. Will it work out???? Only I know... ha ha ..

[@Modfb]

the best out there pure knowledge

[@pickingtunes]

Nice job ,great input. Some people have success on youtube also.

[@CoolDaysEnd]

Don't overthink it. If you have a great song, it's a great song period. Show it off in a professional manner and act like you're already there!

[@TheNYgolfer]

The biggest selling song of all time is Happy Birthday. Not very original but it applies to everyone. Interesting fact about the song few know. Royalties for the song cost $25,000. So if you see/hear it in a movie, they paid that amount to be able to include it in the movie. Also It is actually against the law to sing Happy Birthday in a large group of unrelated people such as at an office party unless you pay royalties. Think about that next time you throw a party for your boss.. The song has brought in an estimated $50 million. It was written in the 1890's.

[@SA-un8nn]

I think you're beautiful.. thank you so much for the conclusion. :) Very valuable information.

[@garyknappick4452]

Lovely video.

[@prodbydramatic]

Barbara thank you for your time and info. I hope all is well. What's the name of the song you were referring to? Thank you once again.

[@geraldmontoya2791]

Writing songs is a blast it happens when it happens these guys at the Howard deshazo Studios Santa Fe told me jokingly" I sure hope your life stays in the dumps because you showed you write some good songs about it" I love music you're right you have to write or you go crazy. I have watched those guys that are professional writers they are amazing

[@godthesonhasilluminatedme]

Great great information, thank you

[@barbaracloyd]

Glad you liked it.

[@BuildBeach]

Well put, Barb..

[@tvendor]

Great Video.

[@JeffAlanRule]

Thanks for your advice, Barbara. There's no doubt how high that mountain is just to get a song published, let alone, recorded and charted. I've had some of my material published in Nashville, but I don't think it's going anywhere in the publisher's library because I think it's just lost in all that material. I want an honest opinion about one song in particular and I think your expertise would be awesome. I want to know if the song stands out and stands the test of time and...should I keep pushing it. Right off the bat you'll hear Willie in the style and I hope that's not too old. I think it garnered the attention of the publisher because it's just a simple song that we've likely all lived at one time or another and would appeal to a large crowd and, might do just that...stand the test of time. I like your advice about the portrayal of the artists in the songs they choose. I have a song called "Crosses" about gun violence and I know there is likely not too many Country artists who would want to sing a song against guns. But this song..."They're Called The Blues" is a life experience we all can relate to, and I think any artist could relate, as well as their fans. Would you give me your honest opinion? Here's a link to a Lyric video I just added right here on KZbin. Please give me your opinion... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaDWepuMg7h4bKM&ab_channel=JeffAlanRule

[@barbaracloyd]

Hi Jeff. I would be happy to listen to your song and share my thoughts. For writers who wants my feedback and advice, I have a consultation service. You can get all at www.barbaracloyd.com/consultation-critiques .

[@nazo444]

BEAUTIFUL STRAIGHT FORWARD IS ALL WE CAN ASK FOR THANK YOU BE BLESSED.

[@barbaracloyd]

Thanks you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@jessicarichardson9950]

thank you your videos are very usefull x

[@laluna5192]

yes, people tell me they like my songs alot, I play rock mostly and play all instruments, I also dabble in other fun songs and styles that might work, I just need help recording and figuring stuff out so I can concentrate on playing 4 or 5 parts with instruments and vocals ....so how do I get a manager to listen?

[@MarielaurenceMusic]

Thanks 🙏

[@hhachckac8394]

I’ve written song since 5 years I decided to sell them I write with many languages English, Turkish, arabic

[@lumberpilot]

Vert succinct advice. Thank you.

[@seannugent8062]

Hello Barb, You´re a bit different from what I've seen before; In a way that seem like honest. So I have a question or two: If I had a song that'd prolly cut and I made it through an agent like you (i.e. You'd like the song I composed to the degree), would I miss any % or would I get just as much as I would as an ordinary "legid" songwriter? Also, I've heard over the years that a sk. "Evergreen" song would allways cut sooner or later no matter what. Is there any thruth in that in your experience or what you've heard? Appriciate whatever, Barb...

[@gmabottomley2682]

Do you have a "Run it by me "listening facility?

[@developerrk384]

IM YOUR 1,000th SUBSCRIBER!

[@barbaracloyd]

Woo hoo! Thanks for pointing that out.

[@jessicawilliams1839]

What if I just write songs that I want some artist to sing because I don't think I can sing? I just want someone to sing my songs? I'm not a singer what do I do?

[@gerryroberts662]

I'm in the studio this year makeing some songs. now how can i make $$ from that ?? i dont know how to pich, should i try selling my songs to friends and start from there ??

[@kidsplaymusic]

Good information thanks... what about children's music..

[@DeondreE.Morris]

Good info!

[@FreddyBaggett]

You give some great advice.. I chose not to try and pitch my songs to anyone, I write them, pay for studio time and produce them myself, then run them through CDBABY as my online agent to distribute them digitally, then let them release them and hopefully collect some revenue from royalties. Could I have done better financially trying to land a deal from a big artist...possibly. I've had one of my songs reach over 20 million KZbin hits, several more with over a million hits, and now an audiobook approaching a half million downloads, and I own all the content 100%. My point is, if you have quality material that you have written it will spread organically if it's good and if it connects with the listener. Don't be discouraged if a big label doesn't want your material because the cream of the crop CAN rise to the top without them...but it has to be above average...

[@barbaracloyd]

That is fantastic advice. I agree whole heartedly. If you want to go the mainstream commercial route, it puts a lot of restrictions on how you can express yourself. Thanks to the low cost of digital recording and the access to social media, it is much easier to promote your own music. Because there is more access, there is also more competition, but the cream does rise to the top.

[@blueskiesmeditation]

Do you have an idea of how I could share my music for someone else to sing? Like i don’t want to release a song as my song as I don’t want to be the singer for it… my songs would be for someone else to sing

[@studio-g6878]

Well done simple and to the point I have a fire burning inside and I will get somewhere with it right now it's driving me crazy and I have made it my goal to commit

[@barbaracloyd]

Stoke that fire! I have lots of videos about songwriting here and more on my IG and TikTok.

[@studio-g6878]

@@barbaracloyd I don't have social media or tick tock I focus on other things so I'll look forward to seeing more of your videos

[@IamJonTyler]

It's a tough subject. Some writers tell you to be different others tell you not to reinvent the wheel. What they want is something sticky and marketable. If you can reach that at least, you have a fair shot. Don't lost your mind trying to be so different. There is a box in music you have to stay in.