World of barbara Lewis blog
 
 
 
How to Write, Sing, Sell Your Songs And Stay True To Yourself I began writing a "diary" of ideas and thoughts about singing and song writing in early 2001, after I discovered, to my surprise, that one of the most visited pages on my artist Web site, barabaralewis.com, was a series of personal stories I had written about various aspects of a musician's life. So I decided that I would write about my musical life with more regularity and call it:"Songwriter's Diary," although the subjects would not be limited to only the area of songwriting.  And for many months, I did just that. But after September 11th, 2001, I wrote only one entry. I have decided to bring it back now. It will still be called, Songwriter's Diary, but I will write about a wide range of subjects that will deal with ways to write, sing, sell your songs, build an audience and stay true to yourself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It Isn’t Easy Running Your Own Music Business JUNE 15/2004   
It isn’t easy...running my own music business. 

So many different hats to wear…. writing songs, finding ways to sell music, keeping in good vocal shape, website work, cultivating my audiences…and trying to stay true to myself. 

This week: a long list of phone calls. Mulling over marketing strategies for the next phase of my show, Crossroads ­ in a much bigger theater. This is a big challenge. 

I’m keeping in mind the sobering fact that many people (including me!) are fed up with the tasteless ads and scam marketing efforts that hit us constantly, stealing time and energy. 

One day of this work and I’m thinking… how easy it is for songwriting to get lost in the shuffle! 

I have to remind myself that songs drive my artistic life. Songwriting needs time. 

After the first effort, the song needs to soak in its own juices. I then need to sing it at the piano many times over several days, even weeks. 

It soon becomes smoother - begins to fit my voice. It’s like polishing a gem. I enjoy the process…and making my own decisions. No one can force me from my chosen path. 

I’m fortunate to be doing something that allows me to speak and write about things that I feel are important. No small thing on such a troubled planet. 

Yesterday, I read an interview with a wonderful African singer/songwriter, Angelique Kidjo who has remained very true to her own vision. 

But no great surprise - like others who try to walk a clear and meaningful path, she has had to work long years for recognition. 

She described music as “the thread of the memory of humankind."   A great and very liberating idea.  Each song we write from the heart is part of the human continuum. 

Some sadness and concern to note…I spoke with two singers this week – both good songwriters – who decided to leave the business side of music. They will sing and write, but not with any hope of making a living. 

Members of a panel of artists at a recent conference told the audience that in order to make a living as an artist, the watchword is “diversify.” Do several different things within your field of art so that you can improve your chances of making money. 
It’s a delicate balance. Art and business. Making your art your business. 

I like John Braheny’s simple, practical approach to writing and marketing songs. It’s not rocket science, but selling music does take a lot of patience, and consistent effort…and love...The gain is tremendous freedom…making a living your own way, through your own music. http://www.barbaralewis.com/http://www.giantstep.net/artists/273/bio/%20http://www.johnbraheny.com/market/tenwys.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2
IT ISN’T EASY RUNNING YOUR OWN MUSIC BUSINESS
Saturday, October 28, 2006